
Class _ _E4a±_ 
Book , C4_C3_ 






A CENTENNIAL 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 



OF 



CHAMPAIGN COUNT! 



T 



OHIO 



ILLUSTRATED 



NEW YORK and CHICAGO 

The Lewis Publishing Company 

L902 



PREFACE. 




UT of the depths of his mature wisdom Carlyle wrote, " History 
is the essence of innumerable biographies." Believing this to 
be the fact, there is no necessity of advancing any further 
reason for the compilation of such a work as this, if reliable history is 
to be the ultimate object. 

Champaign County, Ohio, has sustained within its confines men who 
have been prominent in public affairs and great industrial enterprises 
for almost a century. The annals teem with the records of strong and 
noble manhood, and, as Sumner has said, "the true grandeur of 
nations is in those qualities which constitute the greatness of the 
individual." The final causes which shape the fortunes of individ- 
uals and the destinies of States are often the same. They are 
usually remote and obscure, and their influence scarcely perceived 
until manifestly declared by results. That nation is the greatest 
which produces the greatest and most manly men and faithful women; 
and the intrinsic safety of a community depends not so much upon 
methods as upon that normal development from the deep resources 
of which proceeds all that is precious and permanent in life. But 
such a result may not consciously be contemplated by the actors in 
the great social drama. Pursuing each his personal good by exalted 
means, they work out as a logical result. 

The elements of success in life consist in both innate capacity and 
determination to excel. Where either is wanting, failure is almost 



4 PREFACE. 

certain in the outcome. The study of a successful life, therefore, 
serves both as a source of information and as a stimulus and encour 
agement to those who have the capacity. As an important lesson in 
this connection we may appropriately quote Longfellow, who said : 
"We judge ourselves by what we feel capable of doing, while we 
judge others by what they have already done." A faithful personal 
history is an illustration of the truth of this observation. 

In this biographical history the editorial staff, as well as the pub- 
lishers, have fully realized the magnitude of the task. In the collec- 
tion of the material there has been a constant aim to discriminate 
carefully in regard to the selection of subjects. Those who have been 
prominent factors in the public, social and industrial development of 
the county have been given due recognition as far as it has been 
possible to secure the requisite data. Names worthy of perpetuation 
here, it is true, have in several instances been omitted, either on account 
of the apathy of those concerned or the inability of the compilers to 
secure the information necessary for a symmetrical sketch; but even 
more pains have been taken to secure accuracy than were promised in 
the prospectus. Works of this nature, therefore, are more reliable 
and complete than are the " standard " histories of a country. 

THE PUBLISHERS. 



INDEX. 



Abbott, William J., 16C 
Anderson, James \V., 160 
Anderson, John J., 205 
Aughinbaugh, Barnet A., 197 

Bailar. Mrs. Julia. A.. 141 
Bailar, William F., 140 
Baker, C. A., 355 
Baker. Lyman E., 586 
Banta, Edgar G., 177 
Barger, Frederick N., 665 
Harnett. Samuel, 569 
Behney, Christopher, 518 
Berry, Thomas C, 339 
Berry, Thomas H., 336 
Black. Charles B., 236 
Black, Elias P., 402 
Black. James W., 77 
Black. John R.. 525 
Black. Peter, 302 
Blose, James I., 416 
Rlose, William. ri2 
Brand, Frank W.. 634 
Brand, John F., 637 
Brand, Joseph C. 628 
Brand. Thomas, 629 
Brand. Thomas T.. 631 
Brand. Thomas T., Jr.. 635 
Brelsford, Charles, 143 
Brittin. Lewis. 22 
Butcher. John C, 559 

Calland. William, 555 



Chamberlin, Joseph, 51 
Chance, Frank, 320 
Cheetham, James K., 256 
Cheney, E. Ervvood, 342 
Cheney, James H., 42 
Clark, John H., 453 
Clem, David, 156 
Coffey, Joseph, 31 
Colbert, Isaiah H., 596 
Codwell, Calvin F„ 17 
Colwell, Peter E., 353 
1 '■< h ik, Harry, 623 
Coulson, Joseph. 723 
Cowgill. Samuel, 395 
Cowgill, Thomas A., 182 
Craig, Claude C, 154 
Craig. Harrison, 170 
Crain, James L., 422 
Crane, Marcus H., 713 
Crawford, Frank J.. 15 
Criffield, George W., 406 
Crow, Horace M.. 607 
Crow, Thomas D.. 306 
Crowl, William. 486 

Dagger, Charles, 553 
Dagger, Jacob, 105 
Daniels, Perry. 657 
Davis, J. E., 291 
Davis, John R., 546 
Davis. Joseph W.. 538 
Deaton, Sherman S., 428 
Dibble, Robert B., 719 



INDEX. 



Dickinson, Martin M., 103 
Diltz, Isaac N., 529 

Eichelberger, George M., 327 
Enoch. John, 466 

Fairchild, Ora, 710 
Fairchild, Simeon D., 698 
Frank, David, 592 
Fromme, Grant V., 537 
Fulton, James W.. 252 
Funk, Aaron B., 460 
Fyffe, Edward P., 11 
Fyffe, Joseph, 12 

Galligher, Michael, 344 
Ganson, Charles II. . 440 
Gaumer, Edward B., 330 
Gaumer, Thomas M., 90 
Gehman, William M., 385 
Goul, John, 149 
Gowey, Hartland D., 548 
Gross, August T., 231 
Grove, Shepherd B., 234 
Guthridge, Marion, 535 
Guy, Charles W., 455 
Guy. Edward A.. 400 

Hagenbuch, Edwin, 293 
Halterman, Isaac. 86 
Hancc. John P.. 258 
Hanna, Elijah. 364 
Happersett. Isaac B., 709 
Marian, John, 134 
Harris. Benjamin F., 282 
Hedges, Emory, 66 
Heiserman, Clarence B., 677 
Henderson. Robert, 309 
Hitt, John W„ 715 
Hitt. Samuel W., 349 
Hodge. John 11., 567 
Hopkins. A. G., 418 
ITorr. Jacob, 118 
I fouser, Daniel C, 599 
Hull, Benjamin F., 571 



Hull, Daniel J., 347 
Hunter, Calvin R., 152 
Hunter, John M., 221 
Hunter, Thomas E., 635 
Hupp. George W., 717 
Hyde, William F., 76 

James. Daniel, 284 
Jenkins, Oliver P., 551 
Jennings, Absalom C, 46 
Jennings. Edward. 59 
Johnson. David J., 62 
Johnson, James B.. 317 
Johnson, Nelson B.. 124 
Johnson. Silas. 495 
Jones, Caleb, 431 

Kenaga, John W., 408 
Kenfield, David, 271 
Kenton, Gabriel, 590 
Kenton, Simon, 579 
Kiser, G. R., 381 
Kizer, Isaiah P., 19 
Kizer, Jason, 674 
Klapp, George S., 261 
Knight, John P., 473 

Lauppe, Charles, 497 
Lee, James A., 449 
Logan John G„ 420 
Longfellow, Joseph E., 2S6 
Loudenback, Abraham P., 366 
Loudenback, Jonas, 684 
Loudenback, Lewis C, 243 
Loudenback. Washington, 533 

Madden, Benjamin M., 94 
Magrew, Hamilton, 208 
Magruder, Vesalius S.. 410 
Marvin, Clitus H., 230 
Marvin, William B., 231 
Marvin, William H, 226 
Mast, Joseph K.. 379 
McCarty, Enoch, 192 
Mel arty, Thomas, 122 



INDEX. 



McClellan, Elwood S., 601 
McClellan, Hiram, 605 
McConnell, Thomas, 706 
M-cCrea, George G., 652 
McDonald, Duncan B., 576 
Mcllvaine, James F., 445 
McKinney, Tulley, 574 
McLaughlin, Claience M., 478 
McMorran, Jacob, 188 
Middleton, A. II., 669 
Middleton, Evan 1'., v ;_>3 
Miller, Benjamin r., 110 
Milkr. Cyru.. 420 
Moody, John R., 465 
Moore, William, 530 
Morgan, Masked b., 4,',/ 
Moses, Joseph S., 499 
Mi 1. grove, Adam, t)20 
Mosgrove, James M., 276 
Mosgrove, Samuel M., 372 
Moulton, R. C., 661 
Murphey, Roger 11.. 266 

Neer, Adam, 26 
Neer, Fred, 362 
Neer, John P., 500 
Neer, Jonathan S., 694 
Noble, Orville, 358 
Norman, John C., 688 

O'Brine, David, 696 
Oflfenbacher, Charles A., 179 
Organ, Charles F., 714 
Owen, Thomas B., 563 

Pangborn, William C, 296 
Patrick, Frank B., 233 
Patrick, Mrs. Maria, 164 
Patrick, William, 240 
Pearce, A. B., 383 
Pearce, Henry C., 172 
Pearce, Henry M., 176 
Pence, Elijah, 72 
Perry, D. S., 659 
Pickering, George W., 300 



Pickering, R. H., 676 
Poland, George W., 721 
I'm terrield, I tomer, 004 
Powell, James D., 510 
Piintz, Franklin, 25 

Rawlings, Thomas, 580 
Ream, Ceorge, 523 
Ring, William F., 340 
Rock', William M., 223 
Rouse, William, 557 
Runyon, John H., 200 
Russell, Joseph G, 703 
kiuaii, Daniel W., 136 

Sanders, Robert, 374 
Sarver, Jacob S., 92 
Saxbe, Martin b., 681 
Sceva, John C, 388 
Scoli, -\.a JN., by 
Seaton, John A., 447 
Shanely, Christian, 640 
Shanely, David, 649 
Shanely, Isaac, 651 
Shanley, Jacob, 644 
Shanley, John, 647 
Shockey, Abraham, 595 
Shrigley, Wintield T., 68 
Sibley, Warren D., 126 
Slusser, Samuel, 55 
Smith, Azro, 433 
Smith, John N., 40 
Snapp, Benjamin, 251 
Snodgrass, Morton M., 368 
Sowers, Samuel K., 33 
Spain, James F., 520 
Speece, William, 274 
Stickley, Philip L., 392 
Stone, Ferdinand F., 588 
Stone, Samuel L. P., 480 

Talbot. Marion, 399 
Talbott, George A., 194 
Taylor, Alfred F., 74 
Taylor, Charles O., 132 



8 



INDEX. 






Taylor, Oliver, 129 
Taylor, Simeon, 507 
Thatcher. Jonathan, 06 
Thomas, Ivan B., 81 
Thomas, John H.. 492 
Thomas, Marion W., 614 
Thomas, William, 488 
Thompson, William, 101 
Todd, David, 625 
Todd, David W„ 36 
Todd, John E„ 564 
Todd, Thomas M„ 627 
Toomire, John W., 561 
Tritt, Randolph, 396 

Vance, Alexander F., 279 
Vance, Alexander F., Jr.. 246 

Ward, William. 671 



Warnock, William R., 263 
Weaver, George A., 701 
West. Mrs. Hester, 457 
Whetsel, Fenton, 412 
Wh.tmore, Simon W., 312 
Williams, Milo G., 214 
Williams. Richard Du Val, 603 
Wilson. Andrews, 106 
Wilson, Ebenezer, 686 
Wilson, William H., 692 
Wilson, W. W., .609 
Woodcock, Elijah T.. 611 

Yeisley, John W., 83 
Young. John H.. 311 

Ziegler, Augustus M., 116 
Zimmer, Frank A., 672 
Zirkle. Samuel, 667 




EDWARD P. FYFFE. 



A CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

OF 

CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO 



EDWARD P. FYFFE. 



Edward P. Fyffe was born in Urbana, April 23, 1810, and was 
a son of William II. and Maximilla 1 Petty) Fyffe. The father was a 
native of Virginia and emigrated to Kentucky, whence he afterward 
came to Urbana in 1805. Here he was married to a daughter of Joseph 
Petty, one of the first settlers of the city. 

In the early schools of Urbana, Colonel Fyffe acquired his pre- 
liminary education anil was later a cadet at West Point for a short time. 
In 1846 he was graduated in medicine and was engaged in practice 
at the time the Civil war was inaugurated. He served with distinction. 
rose to the rank of colonel ami was brevetted brigadier-general. 

Dr. Fyffe was united in marriage to Sarah Ann Robinson, a native 
of Franklin count}'. Ohio, but a resident of Urbana at the time of her 
marriage. The} became the parents of f, ur children, who reached years 
of maturity: Joseph; .Max F., the widow of Frank James Crawford; 
Mr-. Mary F. Thornton, of Pontiac, Illinois; and Mrs. Sarah A. Gee, 

of Cleveland, Ohio. 

1 



12 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

In his political views Colonel Fyffe was a Republican, strongly 
endorsing the principles of the party and both he and his wife were 
members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He died September 25, 
1867, and Mrs. Fyffe survived him for rive years. During the Civil war 
he was a most brave and loyal officer and his utter fearlessness in the 
face of clanger often inspired his men to deeds of valor. In his chosen 
profession he won distinction by the superior skill and ability which he 
acquired as the result of his study and investigation, as well as practical 
experience. In the first half of: the nineteenth century he was a promi- 
nent figure in social and professional life of Urbana and well does he 
deserve mention in her history. 



REAR ADMIRAL JOSEPH FYFFE. 

The history of the American naval service contains a record of no 
greater loyalty, valor and capability than that of Rear Admiral Joseph 
Fyffe, who devoted the long years of his manhood to his country's serv- 
ice. He was born July 26, 1832. His father, General Edward P. Fyffe, 
is mentioned above and his record as a brave and loyal defender of the 
[Jnion was a stimulus to the son. When he was fifteen years of age, 
however, Joseph Fyffe was appointed to the navy on the 9th of Septem- 
ber, 1847, being in active service for over forty-seven years, and was 
then retired at the age limit of sixty-two years in July, 1894. His first 
duty was on the Cumberland and afterward on the bomb vessel Strom- 
boli m the Gulf of Mexico. He saw active service in the Mexican war. 
although not yet sixteen years of age. The following year he was or- 
dered on duty off the coast of Africa on the sloop-of-war Yorktown, and 
was serving on her when she was wrecked off the Cape Verde Islands. 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. i 6 

Later he was highly commended for his gallant conduct on that occasion. 
His third cruise was in the frigate St. Lawrence, which was sent to 
England to represent the United States at the time of the World's Fair 
in London. Subsequently he returned to the Naval Academy at Annapo- 
lis for one year, and on the 15th of July, 1854, was promoted to the 
rank of passed midshipman. In 1855 he made a special cruise in the San 
Jacinto. In 1856 he volunteered for and was detailed on the Griiinell 
expedition to the Arctic regions under Lieutenant Hartstine on the ship 
Release, in search of Sir John Franklin, rescuing and bringing home Dr. 
Kane and his party while on that trip. For his services in this expedi- 
tion the queen of England decorated him with the medal of the Arctic 
Order of Victoria. On his return to the United States he was commis- 
sioned master and lieutenant on the same day — September i(>. 1856. 
Admiral Fyffe next served on the Relief in the Brazil Squadron 
in 1856 and 1857, which was followed by a three-years cruise in the 
East India Squadron on the sloop-of-war Germantown. In i860 he 
was ordered to the steam sloop Lancaster on the Pacific station and 
then to the frig-ate Minnesota, the flagship of the North Atlantic Block- 
ading Squadron. He was commissioned lieutenant commander in July, 
[862. On the Minnesota he experienced two vears of active service, 
during which time he took part in the destruction of the blockade run- 
ner Hebe and commanded the landing party which captured the two- 
gun battery that protected the blockade runners near Fort Fisher. North 
Carolina, in August, 1863. He also took an active part in the destruc- 
tion of the Ranger, another blockade runner, and was in an engage- 
ment with infantry below Fort Casewell, North Carolina, in January, 
[864. In 1864-5, Admiral Fyffe commanded the double-ender gunboat 
Hunchback on the James river with brilliant success. 

The Civil war being over, be ti ok part in his first shore duty at 
the Boston yard in 1866. The next year he was ordered to the Oneida, 



i 4 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

sailing for the Asiatic station. On the 2nd of December, 1868, he was 
commissioned commander and placed in command of the monitor Cen- 
taur of 'the North Atlantic Squadron. Later he was lighthouse in- 
spector of the fourteenth district. He next commanded the Monocacy 
on the Asiatic station in 1875, continuing there until 1878 and in [879 
he was promoted to the grade of captain and commanded the receiving 
ship St. Louis, from which, in 1880, he was transferred to the Frank- 
lin, acting as its commander for eighteen months. Through the suc- 
ceeding six months he was captain of the flagship Tennessee, of the 
North Atlantic Squadron, followed by service as commander of the flag- 
ship Pensacola in the Pacific station. 

Admiral Fyffe was then sent home on sick leave. In 1888 he was 
ordered as captain to the Boston Naval Yard, remaining- there for more 
than three years. He was promoted to the grade of commodore in 
February, 18S0. and was assigned to special duty at Boston in 1890. 
During" the succeeding summer he was ordered to command the New 
London naval station until July 13, 1893, when he took charge of the 
Boston Naval Yard, — his last duty ending with his retirement July 20, 
1894. I lis name was on the navy register for forty-nine years and his 
active service continued for over forty-seven years, while his actual sea 
service covered twenty years. No more patriotic and thoroughly Amer- 
ican officer ever sailed under the stars and stripes; no officer took better 
care of his men or maintained discipline with less severity. As a sailor 
he had few equals and no superiors. His fighting qualities were unsur- 
passed, as is his war record. Tender in all his sympathies, he was yet a 
man in dignity and strength. His strong personality impressed all who 
came in contact with him. Generous, kindly, chivalric and brave. — those 
were the qualities that drew men toward him and made them love him. 
His last year of duty was one of great happiness. He was endeared 
to every one — officers and their families, subordinates, sailors and em- 




FRAHK J. CRAWFORD. 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 15 

ployes, — in fact, all connected with the Boston station, and he thor- 
oughly delighted in the kindly feeling which all entertained for him. 
Then came the promotion to the rank of rear admiral — the ambition and 
culmination of an officer's career. 

At Pierce, Nebraska, on the 25th of February, 1896, Admiral Fyffe 
died of acute gastroenteritis, from which he had long suffered in a 
chronic form, the result of fevers contracted in tropical countries during 
active service in earlier years. He was buried at Urbana, Ohio, his 
birthplace and for many years his home. 



FRANK JAMES CRAWFORD. 

Deeds of bravery have been the theme of song and story from the 
earliest days, and the world pays a tribute of respect and admiration 
to the man who fights for his country and his principles. One of the 
distinguished officers of the Civil war was Frank James Crawford, who 
was born in Birmingham, Huntingdon county. Pennsylvania 1 , July 12, 
1S34. He was educated in Alleghany College, in Meadville, Pennsyl- 
vania, where he won the degree of M. A. A short time after his grad- 
uation he engaged in teaching scln ol in Maryland and in Pennsylvania, 
but predilection for the law led him to prepare for the liar, doing to 
La Salle county, Illinois, in 1855, he studied law in Ottawa and was 
admitted to practice in 1858. He then opened an office there and 
steadily rose to prominence. No bitter novitiate awaited him. Nature 
bountifully endowed him with the peculiar qualifications that combine 
to make a successful lawyer. Patientlv persevering, possessed of an 
analytical mind, and one that is readily receptive and retentive of the 
fundamental principles and intricacies of the law : gifted with a spirit of 



1 6 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

devotion to wearisome details; quick to comprehend the most subtle 
problems and logical in his conclusions; fearless in the advocacy of any 
cause he may espouse, and the soul of honor and integrity, few men 
have been more richly gifted for the achievement of success in the ardu- 
ous and difficult profession of the law. 

At the time of the Civil war, however, Mr. Crawford entered bis 
country's service, enlisting as a private of Company E, Fifty-third Illi- 
nois Infantry, on tbe 28th of December, 1861. The same day he was 
appointed quartermaster sergeant of the regiment. On the second day 
of the battle of Pittsburg Landing, be displayed marked gallantry as well 
as knowledge of military tactics, and for this reason was promoted to tbe 
rank of second lieutenant. On tbe 10th of November, 1862, be was 
appointed by President Lino In, commissary of subsistance with tbe 
rank of captain, in which position be served throughout the Tennessee 
and Vicksburg campaigns with marked distinction. Later he was on 
duty at Port Hudson, Louisiana, where he was stationed until the close 
of the war. having served for three years and eight months. When 
hostilities were ended he was brevetted map r of the United States Vol- 
unteer Infantry for meritorious service in the held. 

Returning to Ottawa, Illinois, in December, 1865, Mr. Crawford 
there resumed tbe practice of law, but in 1872 sought a broader held of 
labor in the growing metropolis of tbe west, and became a distinguished, 
prominent and honored member of the Chicago bar, where he practiced 
successfully, enjoying a large and distinctively representative clientage 
until his death, which occurred in Urbana. October 14. 189S. 

Major Crawford had married in Urbana, Ohio, in 1865, the lad) of 
his choice being Miss Max P. Fyffe, a daughter of Brigadier-General 
Edward P. Fyffe. She now resides in Urbana and has one daughter, 
Mrs. Annie Crawford Merritt, of Highland Park, Illinois. 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 17 

CALVIN FLETCHER COLWELL. 

When a citizen of worth and character lias departed this life it is 
proper that those who survive him should keep in mind his life-work 
and hold up to the knowledge and emulation of the young his virtues 
and the characteristics which distinguished him and made him worthy 
of the esteem and confidence of his fellow men. We therefore are grati- 
fied in having the privilege of entering at this point a memoir of the 
representative citizen of Urbana whose name appears above. He lives 
in the memory and affection of his family and friends as a devoted hus- 
band, kind father and public-spirited citizen and as one whose life was 
one of singular beauty and nobility. He passed his entire life in Ur- 
bana and was always liberal in his contributions to aid the social, ma- 
terial and religious advancement of the city and county of his home, 
while his prominence in local business circles was through enterprises of 
marked importance. 

Mr. Colwell was born in Urbana, Champaign county, Ohio, on the 
26th of February. 1831. the son of Peter E. and Lavina (Fitch) Col- 
well, the former of whom was born in Xew Jersey, whence he came to 
Ohio and located in Urbana in 1815: while the latter accompanied her 
parents on their removal from her native state. Kentucky, to Urbana 
about the year 1806, so that in both the agnotic and maternal lines the 
subject of this memoir was identified with pioneer families of this fa- 
vored section of the Buckeve state. He had such educational advant; 
as were afforded in the early schools of his native town, and then learned 
the trade of chairmaking under the direction of his father, who was 
here engaged in that line of enterprise for many years. Calvin E. worked 
at his trade up h > the time of his marriage, soon after which event he 
became interested in the manufacturing of flooring and in the cabinet- 
making and furniture business, being first assi ciated with his brother, 



iS CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

the late Robert Colwell, and later having other partners, while the na- 
ture of the business underwent various changes, meeting the exigencies 
of trade and expanding in scope and importance. Finally was effected 
the organization of the Colwell Lumber Company, which conducted a 
flourishing business for a long term of years, our subject standing at 
the head of the enterprise, whose affairs were guided with that dis- 
crimination and ability which marked his entire business career, in its 
varied avenues of usefulness. He continued to be identified with this 
concern until within a few months prior to his death, while for a score 
of years he was president of the Citizens' National Bank, in which he was 
the chief stockholder and to> which he gave the benefit of his mature 
judgment and distinctive executive talent, doing much to give it its high 
reputation as a solid financial institution. 

As has been before stated, Mr. Colwell was imbued with the deep- 
est public spirit and was ever ready to lend his aid and influence in sup- 
port of all legitimate measures advanced for the general good, and 
though he gave an unwavering support to the principles and policies of 
the Republican party, he never sought nor consented to accept the 
honors or emoluments of political office. His interest in the cause of 
Christianity was vital and unflagging and bis faith was that of the 
Methodist Episcopal church. He was one of the charter members of 
Grace church, whose spiritual and temporal affairs received his devoted 
care and support until the close of his honorable and useful life. He 
held various official positions in the church, and a quarter of a century 
practically represents the period of his incumbency as class-leader of his 
church. He was a man of lofty ideals and spotless integrity, and in his 
death, on the 16th of June. 1900. the community in which he had passed 
his entire life was called upon to mourn the loss of one of its noblest and 
most valued citizens, while to those associated with him in the sacred 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 19 

ties of the home his memory will ever rest as a benediction that follows 
■ 

after prayer and bespeaks true spiritual exaltation. 

On the 22d of November, 1855, was solemnized a marriage which 
united the life destinies of Air. Colwell and Miss Malinda M. McCom- 
sey, who survives him and who remains in the home so hallowed by the 
associations of the past. She was born near Median Ksburg, Cham- 
paign county. Ohio., the daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Burnside) 
McComsey, who were early settlers of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Col- 
well became the parents of two children, — Elizabeth, who died at the 
age of six years; and Max F., who is the wife of Frank Ross, of Chi- 
cago, Illinois. 



ISAIAH P. K1ZER. 



Isaiah P. Kizer, a member of the firm of Kizer & Long, prom- 
inent lumber dealers of Saint Paris, is a member of a prominent old 
pioneer family of Champaign county. His paternal grandfather. Jo- 
seph Kizer, was horn in Shenandoah county, Virginia, and was there 
married to Catherine Comer, a daughter of David Comer also of the 
Old Dominion. Two children were born to them in that commonwealth, 
Peter and Daniel, and afterward the family started with teams and 
v igi ns for the Buckeye state, arriving about 1S1 1. and on the journey 
they were accompanied by the Comer family. They took up their abode 
in the locality near Millerstown, where a few Virginia families had pre- 
viously settled, and there Mr. Kizer entered a tract of heaivily timl 
government land, on which he erected a cabin and began life in true 
pioneer style. Five children were added to the family circle in this 
state. — Benjamin. Philip. Charles. Martin and Polly. The daughter be- 
came the wife 1 f Jacob Rhoades, but the children are now all deceased. 



20 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

Joseph Kizer wa.s a representative and progressive citizen and a very 
prominent man in his locality. For many years he held the office of 
justice of the peace, and in the latter part of his life became a member 
of the Baptist church, dying in that faith at the age of eighty-nine years. 
His wife was called to her final rest when she had reached the eightieth 
milestone on the journey of life. 

Benjamin Kizer, the father of him whose name introduces this re- 
view, was Born on the old Kizer homestead near Millerstown, Champaign 
county, in 1813, and was there early inured to the labors of field and 
meadow. He was a very studious youth, and largely through his own 
efforts succeeded in fitting himself for the teacher's profession, proving 
himself an able instructor along the lines of mental advancement. On 
the 2 1st of November, 1844. he was united in marriage b 1 Mary, a daugh- 
ter of Isaac and Catherine ( Wiant ) Pence, and three children were born 
of that union. — Isaiah P., Sarah C. who married Samuel McMorran, 
and Ira, deceased. The wife and mother was called to the home be- 
yond on the 2d of December, 1853. and on the 4th of February, [855, 
the father married Matilda Guss, by whom he had three children. — 
Frank. Charles O. and Elmer Grant, but the eldest is now deceased. For 
twenty-one years Mr. Kizer served as a justice of the peace in Johnson 
township, and also held many other township offices. He was a prac- 
tical and successful farmer, and at his death left to his family about three 
hundred acres of land. Up to the time of the Civil war he gave his po- 
litical support to the Democracy, but from that time until his death 
\ 1 ited for the men and measures of the Republican party. He was a man 
of deep religious convictions, and from early life a member of the 
Methodist Episcopal church, having been active in the organization o>f 
that denomination in Saint Paris and also in the erection of its house 
of worship. He filled every office within the gift of that church with 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 21 

the exception of Sunday-school superintendent, and in its faith he passed 
away on the 6th of December, 1884, but is still survived by his widow. 

Isaiah P. Kizer, of this review, supplemented the knowledge gained 
in the common schools by a year's course in the Wittenberg College, of 
Springfield, Ohio. On the 2d of May, 1864, while serving as a member 
of the Ohio National Guard, Governor Brough called for troops to serve 
one hundred days and his command was organized into the government 
service, becoming the One Hundred and Thirty- fourth Ohio Volunteer 
Infantry, and Mr. Kizer became z. member of Company I. With his 
regiment Mr. Kizer was on duty principally ini Virginia, in the vicinity 
of Richmond and Petersburg, and. on the expiration of his term of en- 
listment received an honorable discharge and returned to his home. On 
again taking up the duties of civil life he resumed the teacher's pro- 
fession, which he followed until his marriage. On the 27th of Feb- 
ruary. 1868, he came to Saint Paris, where he embarked in the lumber 
business with H. H. Long, which relationship has continued through 
thirty-four years. For twenty years Mr. Kizer has also been a director 
in the First National Bank of Saint Paris. Few men have become more 
prominent or widely known in this enterprising little city than he. In 
business circles he has long been an important factor and his popularity 
is well deserved, for in him are embraced the characteristics of an un- 
bending integrity, unabating energy and industry that has never flagged. 

On the 14th of November, 1867, he was united in marriage to 
Asenath Carey, a daughter of Isaac and Rosana Carey, and six chil- 
dren have blessed the union, namely: Alta, now Mrs. J. E. Kite; Elma, 
wife of W. L. Hunt: Delia, at home; and Mary, Benjamin and Grace, 
who have passed away. Since their early youth Mr. and Mrs. Kizer 
have been members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he has 
filled all of the offices and for ten years was superintendent of the Sun- 
day r -school. He has ever been loyal to the duties of citizenship and has 



2 2 CENTENNIA L BIOGRA PHICA L HIS TOR Y. 

given an unwavering support to the principles of the Republican party, 
while for nine years he served as a member of the school board and for 
a time was the efficient city clerk. Socially he is a member of Pharos 
Lodge. No. 355, F. & A. M., and of H. C. Scotl Post, Xo. in. G. A. R. 



LEWIS BRITTIN. 



Lewis Brittin is one of the pioneer farmers of Champaign county, 
his home being pleasantlv and conveniently located a mile east of Me- 
chanicsburg on the Milford and Mechanicsburg pike. For four score 
years he has been a witness of the growth and progress of this portion 
of the state, for he was born in Goshen township, Champaign county, 
May 12, iS_»o. His father, John Brittin. was a native of Berks county, 
Pennsylvania. When a young" man he went to Virginia and subse- 
quently came to Ohio, settling on the Scioto river in Ross county, nine 
miles south of Chillicothe. About 1804 he arrived in Champaign county 
and was one of the first men to take tin his abode in what is now Goshen 
township. He settled in the midst of the green woods and built a log 
cabin, in which he lived in true pioneer style. The Indians in motley 
garb still stalked through the forests, claiming dominion over this por- 
ton of the country and wild animals were numerous, but gradually the 
accessories of civilization were introduced and the animals and red men 
were driven further westward. He was quite prominent in an early day 
and gave the land which was used as a burying ground. His death 
occurred in May. 184'). He gave his political support to the Democracy, 
served as a justice of the peace and was a very prominent and influential 
man of his day. In the Baptist church he held membership. His wife, 
who bore the maiden name of Mary Parker, was of German lineage, 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 23 

her parents having came from the fatherland to the new" world, making 
a settlement in Pennsylvania. Mrs. Brittin lived to he about eighty 
years of age and by her marriage became the mother of three children. 

Lewis Brittin is the eldest and only one now living. He was reared 
in I ioshen township and when a buy pursued his education in an old log 
school house,, into which light was admitted through greased paper 
windows. The seats were made of slabs and the floor of puncheons, 
and the large fireplace occupied almost one entire end of the building. 
It was so large that a log five feet long could be placed therein. Mr. 
Brittin spent about three months each year in school during a period of 
five years and each- winter was under the instruction of a different teacher. 
When eleven years of age he began to plow corn and from that time 
forward was an active factor in the work oif the fields. He remained at 
home, assisting in the farm work until his marriage and for one year 
thereafter. 

It was on the 22d of March, 1840, that Mr. Brittin was united in 
marriage to Elizabeth Brittin, who was born in Franklin county, Ohio, 
ten miles northwest of Columbus, in a place called Dublin, her natal daj 
being March 17, 1815. Her father, Benjamin Brittin, was born in Vir- 
ginia and her mother, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Grace, 
was also a native of the Old Dominion, in which state they were mar- 
ried, removing thence to Franklin county about 181 2. In their family 
were eleven children. Mrs. Brittin being the seventh in order of birth. 
James Smith Brittin, who resides in Columbus, is her brother. She was 
reared 111 her native township and she, too, pursued her education in a 
log school house. The young couple began their domestic life upon his 
father's farm, but after a year removed elsewhere. Soon, however, 
they returned to the old homestead in order to take care of the aged 
father and mother, with whom they lived until John Brittin and his 
wife passed away. Our subject and his wife are now the oldest couple 



24 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

of the county, having' lived together for more than sixty-two years. Four 
children came to bless their union, but only one is now living. Eda, a 
daughter married James Sceva and had one daughter, Dollie, who is 
the wife of Dell Gross. Margaret is the deceased wife of Jacob Chid- 
ester and they have had three children. Walter, Eda and Emma. Walter, 
a sun of Mr. and Mrs. Brittin. married Lizzie Clark. The only surviv- 
ing member is Wilson Shannon, who resides upon a farm in Goshen 
township and is an enterprising agriculturist. He served for three years 
as a Union soldier in the Civil war. He married Elizabeth Laferty and 
they have three children — Clark, Alice and Lewis. There are also three 
great-grandchildren, namely: Dorothy Guy, Brice Brittin and Isabell 
Brittin. 

Mr. Brittin. of this review, gave his political support to' the Democ- 
racy until Franklin Pierce became a candidate of the party. He then 
joined the ranks of the new Republican party, casting his vote for Abra- 
ham Lincoln in i860 and again in 1864. Since that time he has never 
failed to vote for the Republican presidential candidates with the ex- 
ception of one time when he voted the Prohibition! ticket. For ten years 
he served as township trustee, at one time was justice of the peace and in 
all positions of public trust has been most faithful and loyal. Both he 
and his wife hold membership in the Christian church. He was a mem- 
ber of the Methodist Protestant church for some years and burned 
the brick to build the first church in Mechanicsburg. He is one of the 
pioneer settlers of Champaign county and one of its most honored and 
respected men. He to-day owns a valuable farm of one hundred and 
eighteen acres, upon which he has long resided. He has now reached 
the age of eighty-two years and because of his upright, useful and hon- 
orable life, he can look back over the past without regret and fi rward 
to the future without fear. 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 25 

FRANKLIN PRINTZ. 

From a very early period in the history of the Buckeye state Frank- 
lin Printz has been prominently identified with this section, and now in 
his declining years he is practically living- retired, crowned with the 
veneration and respect which should ever be accorded to honorable old 
age. His paternal grandfather, Frederick P. Printz, was born in Ger- 
man) - , but in a very earlv day he came to this country, taking up his 
abode in Pennsylvania. During the Revolutionary war he served for 
eight years as a brave and loyal soldier, and his death occurred in the 
Keystone stale when he had reached the age of seventy years. 

Daniel P. .Printz, the father of him whose name introduces this 
review, also claimed Pennsylvania as the state of his nativity, and as a 
life occupation he chose that of a farmer. In 1825 he left his Pennsyl- 
vania home for Clark county, Ohio, where for three years he farmed on 
rented land, and then purchased a tract of one hundred and sixty acres 
in Miami county. Later he became the owner < f a farm, which is now- 
included in the corporate limits of the. city of Springfield, and there he 
passed away in death at the age of sixty-eight years. His life was 
most honorable and upright, and commanded the respect of all who knew 
him. For his wife Mr. Printz chose Lizzie Heaton, a native of Penn- 
sylvania, whose parents also came to this country from the fatherland. 
Unto this union were born twelve children, namely: Angeline. deceased; 
Franklin; Elizabeth, deceased; Sarah; Daniel, deceased: Susan: Mary; 
John, deceased; Rebecca, deceased; Catherine, deceased: Henry: and 
James K. 

Franklin Printz. of this review, was but five years of age when he 
was taken by his parents to Clark county. Ohio, and in the common 
schools of his locality received the educational advantages which he 
enjoyed in his youth. On taking up his abode in Champaign county he 



26 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

located on the farm which is still his home, and as an early pioneer and 
successful agriculturist is well and favorably known throughout the com- 
munity. He has been twice married. His first wife bore the maiden 
name of Catherine Gordan, and she was born in Clark county, Ohio. 
On the 14th of March. 1877, she was called to her final rest, leaving 
one son. Scott, who is now a prominent resident of Champaign county. 
September 4, 1879, Mr. Printz was united in marriage to Emma Brus- 
man, a native of the city of Dayton, where she was also reared and edu- 
cated, and at the age of sixteen years she accompanied her parents on 
their removal to Urbana. Her parents were both natives of Pennsyl- 
vania, but were among the early pioneers of Clark county, Ohio. In 
their family were five children, as follows: Charles, deceased; Mrs. 
Printz; Elda and Elizabeth, deceased; and Horace. Mr. Printz gives 
his political support to the Democracy, and religiously he is an active 
worker and leading member of the Methodist Episcopal church of 

Urbana. 

*-++ 

ADAM NEER. 

Adam Neer, living in Saint Paris, Champaign count)-, was born 
in Logan county. Ohio, May 7, 1843. His father, George Neer, was 
born in Licking county, Ohio, in 1817, and his death occurred at his 
home in Bellefontaine, on the 18th of November, [901. He was of 
German descent, his father, Adam Neer, having been born in that coun- 
try. For his wife he chose Anna Karnes, their wedding having been 
celebrated on the 4th of August, 1842, and she was called to the home 
beyi nd March 18, 1894. She was the eldest of eight children, six sons 
and two daughters, born unto Michael and Rhoda Karnes, and during 
her early life she lived among the Indians near Cherokee. Logan county. 



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CEXTEXXIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 29 

Adam Neer, the eldest son of his parents' ten children, six daugh- 
ters and four sons, received his elementary education in the district 
schools of Logan county and later became a student in the school in 
Bellefontaine, while during the summer months he assisted his father 
in the work of the farm. In early life he evinced a talent for mechanics, 
and as he grew in stature and years his bent in that direction was cor- 
respondingly developed and when yet in his "'teens" he conceived a 
number of original mechanical ideas which later on took practical and 
definite form. On the 30th of April, 1867, he was granted a patent 
on a dumping device for unloading wagons, and with this he traveled 
for a number of years, selling territorial rights. In 1872 he was allowed 
a patent on a pitman connection for reapers and mowers, a device of 
unquestionable merit, and in 1882 he perfected and had patented an 
anti-rattling buggy coupling. On the 7th of June, 1898, he was allowed 
a patent on a corn harvester, a machine which easily takes precedence over 
any other of its kind in use. It is of one-horse draft, cuts two rows at 
a time and with it two men can easily cut and set up two hundred shocks 
in a day. It works equally well in large or small corn, and Mr. Neer 
has testimonials from farmers over the entire country who speak in 
words of highest praise of this invention. In 1897 he arranged with a 
manufacturing company to introduce his machine on a royalty contract, 
but this company succeeded in defrauding him of the royalty on several 
hundred machines, they having put out the harvesters under their own 
name and rendered no account whatever to Mr. Neer. In December, 
1901. he brought suit against this company under the original contract, 
and although he was successful in the suit he only obtained a settle- 
ment for fourteen machines, and now has a suit pending in the federal 
court for forty thousand dollars damages against H. L. Bennett & Com- 
pany, one-half of which is in favor of the United States for violation of 
the patent laws. 



3o CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

After his marriage, in 1873, Air. Neer moved to a farm three miles 
east of Saint Paris, hut in 1877 sold this place to George W. Kite and 
purchased a tract of fifty acres just west of his first farm, purchasing the 
land of William Kite. Disposing of this farm to Simon Snapp in the 
spring of 1880, he bought ninety-five and a quarter acres two miles 
southwest of Belief* mtaine, on which he took up his abode on the 1st of 
March of that year. On the 16th of August, 1883. he again disposed 
of his possessions, after which he bought sixty-five acres of land three 
and a half miles southeast of Saint Paris, purchasing the property of 
his father-in-law. William Kile, and on which he erected an attractive 
and commodious residence in 1884, while later, in 1888, he further im- 
proved the place by building a substantial barn. In the spring of 1887, 
however, he left his farm ami moved to Urbana, where for a short 
time he was engaged in the restaurant business, but again desiring to 
take up the quiet duties of the farm he disposed of his restaurant and 
returned to his country home. From August, 1893, until the 1--1 of 
November, 1893. lie was employed by the Milsom Rendering and Fer- 
tilizer Company, of Buffalo, New York, whom he represented in western 
Ohio and Indiana, his work being to establish agencies and to look after 
collections. On the 10th of February, 1896, he removed to 1 Saint Paris, 
where he is now living. Mr. Neer is now extensively engaged in the 
manufacture of the corn harvester in the Neer Manufacturing Com- 
pany, of Saint Pari-, Ohio, of which <i. I'. Shidler is president; A. C. 
I 'tow, secretary; Grant McMorran, treasurer, and Adam Neer, super- 
intendent and general manager. 

On the 1st O'f October, 1873, Mr. Xeer was united in marriage to 
Miss Mary P.. Kile, a daughter of William and Catherine Kile, who 
reside in Champaign county. Unto this union three children have been 
born, two sons and a daughter. Warren, the eldest son, was born July 
6, 1875. and now resides on his father's farm southeast of Saint Pan's. 



CEXTEXXIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 31 

He was married to Miss Anna Wiant, and they have one daughter, 
Lois. Catherine was born November 28, 1880. and William Alonzo 
was born March 10. 1885. In his social relations Mr. Neer is a mem- 
ber of the Knights of Pythias, Lodge No. 344. of Saint Paris, and is 
also a charter member of the United Commercial Travelers. Urbana 
Council No. 139, in which he is junior counsellor. He exercises his 
right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Democ- 
racy, has held the office of road supervisor of Mad River township, 
Champaign county, and while residing in Logan count) was a member 
of the school board. His religious preference is indicated by his mem- 
bership in the Myrtle Tree Baptist church. 



JOSEPH COFFEY. 

Joseph Coffey, who carries on agricultural pursuits in ( ii >shen town- 
ship, was horn in this township on the nth of November; 1838. His 
father. Tatom Coffey, was a native of Pennsylvania, burn in Lancaster 
county, whence he came with his parents to Ohio, settling in Clark county. 
After the family located there a daughter — a sister of Tatom Coffey — 
was born, being the first while child born in Pleasant township. The 
grandfather of our subject was Joseph Coffey, an honored pio 
settler of Clark county, who developed a farm there in the midst of 
the forest. It was upon diat place that Tatom Coffey was reared, and 
in 1 82 1 he came to Champaign county, locating in Goshen township, 
where he spent his remaining days, passing away at the age of seventy- 
seven. In politics he was a Whig and a stanch Republican, becoming 
identified with the latter party after the dissolution of the former. In 
religious faith he was a Baptist and took an active and helpful interest 



32 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

in the work of the church to which he belonged. He married Rebecca 
Roberts, who was born in Clark county, Ohio, where her parents had 
located in pioneer times, her father being William Roberts. Mrs. Cof- 
fev died in 184 2. She had become the mother of eig'ht children:, six sons 
and two daughters, of whom seven reached mature years, while five of 
the number were married. 

Joseph Coffey was the youngest and was only five years of age at 
the time of his mother's death. He remained with his father, however, 
until the fall of 1861, when, prompted by a spirit of patriotism, he 
responded to his country's call for aid, enlisting in Company I, Sixty- 
sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, as a private. He was promoted to the 
rank of corporal, however, and served for three years, two months and 
eight days, participating in fifteen of the most hotly contested battles 
of the war, including Port Republic, Cedar Mountain, Antietam, Gettys- 
burg, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, Ringgold, Kenesaw Moun- 
tain and the siege of Atlanta. He also went with Sherman in the cele- 
brated march to the sea, and received an honorable discharge at Savan- 
nah, Georgia, December 22, 1864, returning to his home with a most 
creditable military record. 

Mr. Coney then resumed farming upon the old homestead, where 
he remained until his marriage, which important event in his life occurred 
in 1865, the lady of his choice being Lydia A. Moody, a daughter of 
Moses and Maria (Guy) Moody. She was born in Madison county, 
Ohio, and there remained until twelve years of age, when she came to 
Champaign county with her parents. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Coffey have 
been born seven children: William S., born January 3, 1866; John V., 
born August 2, 1867; Guy U., born July 17, 1869; Sarah E., born Sep- 
tember 12, 1873; Martha A., born August 21, 1877; Mary E., born 
November 17, 1881 ; and Joseph M., born September 17, 1885. Of this 
number Mary E. died on the 27th of August, 1896. 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 33 

After his marriage Mr. Coffey remained on the old family home- 
stead for about four years and then located on a claim in Goshen town- 
ship, but after a year took up his abode on another farm, which was his 
home for two years. He next removed to a place east of Mechanics- 
burg, where he continued for four years and then settled upon the farm 
which is yet his place of residence. He here owns one hundred and 
seventy acres of well improved land, upon which is a pleasant dwelling, 
which he erected in 1894. He carried on general farming until within 
recent years, but is now largely living retired. He belongs to Baxter 
Post, No. 88, G. A. R.. and is a stanch Republican in politics. 



SAMUEL K. SOWERS. 

In section 12, Mad River township, is found one of the fine farm- 
steads for which Champaign county is justly celebrated, and this is the 
property of Mr. Sowers, who is known as one of the progressive agri- 
culturists and representative citizens of this section of the state. 

Samuel Rosier Sowers claims the old Keystone state as the place 
of his nativity, having been born in Perry county, Pennsylvania, near 
the city of Harrisburg, on the 28th of November, 1834. His father. 
Henry Sowers, was born in Maryland and was about six months of 
age when his parents removed thence to Perry county, Pennsylvania, 
where he was reared to maturity. He became a potter by trade, but 
devoted the greater portion of his life to agricultural pursuits, con- 
tinuing his residence in Pennsylvania until his death, at the age of four 
score years. He was a son of William Sowers, who likewise was born 
in Maryland, whence he removed to Pennsylvania in 1804, heing a 
farmer by occupation, and there he and his wife, who was also horn 



34 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

in .Maryland, of German lineage, continued to make their home until 
their life labors were ended in death. The maiden name of our sub- 
ject's mother was Elizabeth Rosier, and she was born in York county, 
Pennsylvania, the daughter of Jacob Kosier, who was born in Adams 
county, that state, of German descent. Mrs. Elizabeth (Kosier) Sowers 
died in her eighty-second year, having passed her entire life in the 
Keystone state. Her two sons and three daughters all grew to years 
of maturity, and of them we give the following epitomized record : 
Isabel is the wife of George Bernheisel, of Cumberland county, Pennsyl- 
vania; Samuel K. is the immediate subject of this review; Jacob is a 
residenl of Perry county, Pennsylvania, as is also Amanda, who has 
never married; and Alary Ann is deceased. 

Samuel K. Sowers was reared in his native county and there 
received a common-school education, attending the district schools dur- 
ing the winter months and assisting in the work of the farm during 
the summer seasons. At the age of nineteen he gave inception to his 
independent career by securing employment in a gristmill, and lie was 
thus engaged for a period of about three years, after which he secured 
a clerkship in a mercantile establishment at Oxford, Pennsylvania, 
where he remained about one year. In the spring of 1859 he came to 
1 hampaign county and became a clerk in the general merchandise estab- 
lishment of Jacob Aulabaugh in Westville, being thus employed about 
a year, when he entered into partnership with his employer, the associa- 
tion continuing about two years, at the expiration of which time, in 
[861, Mr. Sowers was married, and soon afterward located on his 
present farm, where he has ever since maintained his home, having 
been energetic, progressive and far-sighted in bis methods and having 
attained a high degree of success in his farming and stock-raising, while 
the improvements on his place are those characteristic of a model farm 
of the twentieth centuiy epoch. Mr. Sowers lias a fine farm of one 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 3 5 

hundred and sixty-eight acres, and lie carries on diversified farming and 
also raises a high grade of cattle, horses and swine. In politics he has 
ever given a stanch allegiance to the Democratic party, and served as 
treasurer of Mad River township for one term, having been elected to 
this office for two terms and having given a most capable and economical 
administration of the fiscal affairs of the township. He is a member of 
the Masonic fraternity and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in 
Urbana. and is one of the substantial and popular men of the county. 
On the 12th of December, 1861, Mr. Sowers was united in mar- 
riage to Miss Eunice E. Blose, who was born in Mad River township 
on the 28th of July, J 841, being the daughter of Daniel and Susan 
(Pence) Blose. Her father was an infant of about six weeks when his 
parents came to Mad River township, from Virginia, and located in 
the forest wilds of the early pioneer clays, and here he was reared to 
maturity and passed the remainder of his life. Susan (Pence) Blose 
was born in Mad River township, whence her parents came from Vir- 
ginia and became numbered among the early settlers in this township, 
which was then practically a virgin forest, while the Indians far out- 
numbered the white settlers in the locality. She became the mother 
of four children, of whom Mrs. Sowers was the third in order of birth 
and aliout three years of age at the time of her mother's death. .Mr. 
Blose subsequently married Miss Louisa Colbert, and they became the 
parents of eight children. Mrs. Sowers was reared in this county, attend- 
ing the district schools in her childhood and completed her educatio il 
discipline in the Urbana Seminary. Mr. and Mrs. Sowers have had five 
children, and of them we here enter brief record, in order of birth: 
Lillie V. is the wife' of Andrew J. Broyles, a merchant of Westville, 
this county, and they have five children, — Jean S., Lucv M.. Homer !>.. 
Eunice and Elizabeth; Daniel H. Sowers (who has one sun, David 
D.), who is a representative member of the bar of Columbus, married 



36 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

Elizabeth Deshler, a daughter of William G. Deshler, a prominent busi- 
ness man of that city ; Mary L. is the wife of Edward Taylor and the 
mother of three children, Helen M., deceased, Harry O. and Edgar S. 
Mr. Taylor is a successful farmer of this township and the son of 
Simeon Taylor, of whom mention is made on another page; John K., 
who is not married, is engaged in the lumber business in Columbus; 
and Emory, who is a graduate of the Ohio State University, at Colum- 
bus, is a scientific electrician and now located in Columbus. 

Since the above was written Mr. Sowers has passed away, having 
died June 24, 1902. 



DAVID W. TODD. 



David W. Todd, best appreciated as a lawyer, politician and soldier, 
and for many years a resident of Urbana, was born in Dauphin county, 
Pennsylvania, December 31, 1835, a son of David and Sarah (Mc- 
Cormick) Todd, natives also of Pennsylvania. The father brought his 
family to Ohio in 1846, and while prospecting in Champaign county left 
them in the care of a brother in Warren county. Greatly impressed with 
the advantages to be found in this part of the state he settled the fol- 
lowing year in Pretty Prairie, near Urbana, where his death occurred 
in 1868. 

The first impressions of life and work gained by David W. Todd 
were on his father's farm, where he performed his share of the arduous 
duties, attending at the same time the district schools. His higher ed- 
ucation was acquired at Miami University, at Oxford, Ohio, from which 
he graduated in i860, and he thereafter studied law in the office of 
Shellabarger \- Goode. of Springfield, being admitted to the bar in 1863. 
Almost from the beginning of his practice in Urbana a fair measure of 







JJ 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 39 

success came his way, and in the fall of the same year he was elected 
county prosecutor, and re-elected in 1865. From 1873 until 1875 he 
embarked upon a business venture as superintendent of the Urbana Ma- 
chine Works, but this proving" somewhat disastrous, he returned to law, 
and in October of 1878, was elected probate judge of Champaign county, 
serving in all four consecutive terms of three years each. This service 
performed, he again returned to his former professional allegiance, and 
has since assembled under his erudite and capable banner many import- 
• ant cases in the county and city. 

The same energy and devotion to duty apparent in the general life 
of Mr. Todd found emphatic expression in his Civil war career, during 
which he won the rank of colonel. He joined Company F. ■ >f the Sec md 
Ohio, which was organized at Spring-field, Ohio, and went to Columbus, 
from which they were ordered to Washington. D. C. At Lancaster they 
were mustered into the United States service. His enlistment occurred 
April 29, 1861, and he was mustered out of the three months' service 
July 31, 1861, at Columbus, Ohio. In 1862 he assisted in the organiza- 
tion of Company B, Eighty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, of which he 
was commissioned second lieutenant June 1, 1862, and later first lieu- 
tenant, after which he served as regimental quartermaster from June 16, 
1862, until September 25, of the same year. He was mustered out at 
Camp Delaware. Ohio, and May 6, 1864, was commissioned lieutenant- 
colonel of the One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Ohio Volunteer In- 
fantry. After participating in the first battle of Bull Run and many 
minor skirmishes, and in 1804 in the advance on Petersburg and Rich- 
mond, Virginia, he was again mustered out, August 31, 1864. S'nce the 
war Mr. Todd has been very active in Grand Army circles, and is a 
member of the W. A. Brand Post, Number 98, department of Ohio. 

In 1863 Mr. Todd married Virginia H. Hamilton, who died in 
1868, leaving two children, Lee H, who is a merchant in Urbana ; and 



40 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

Robert M., a resident of Columbus, Ohio. In 1869 Mr. Todd married 
Ella W. Hovey. and of this union there are two children, Nancy H., the 
wife of Clarey Glessner; and Frank \Y., a newspaper reporter of this 
city. Mr. and Mrs. Todd are members of the Presbyterian church. Mr. 
Todd is one of the foremost progressive elements of Urbana, and his 
professional standing is an enviable one. Courteous and faithful to 
clients, attentive to business, measuring professional duty and effort by 
recognition of obligations and ends attainable, together with available 
knowledge of legal principles and an aptitude in their application, all 
combine to bring him a creditable place among the positive forces of the 
bar. 



JOHN N. SMITH. 

John N. Smith, who is residing in Mad River township, was born 
in Warren canity, Ohio, March 1, 1846. His father, Stafford Smith, 
was a native of the same county and was a farmer by occupation, fol- 
lowing that pursuit throughout his entire life. He died at the age of 
seventy-two years. The family had been founded in the Buckeye state 
by the grandfather of our subject, who emigrated westward from New 
Jersey. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Letitia 
Morgan and was also a native of Ohio. Her life span covered seventy 
years. Her lather, Ree^e Morgan, was a native oi Virginia and a 
brother of John Morgan, who made the raid into ( (hio at the time of 
the Civil war. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Smith were born nine children, 
five sons and four daughters, all of whom reached mature years, with 
the exception of one daughter who died when about fourteen years 
of age. 

John N. Smith is the eldest son and second child, and when about 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 41 

two years old was taken by His parents to Clark county, Ohio, where 
he was reared and educated, attending the common schools. He re- 
mained at home until 1863, when he enlisted in the Civil war, respond- 
ing to the country's call for aid as a member of Company F, Forty- 
fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Later he enlisted in the Eighth Ohio 
Infantry and served for about two years and eight months as a private. 
He took part in many important engagements, including the battles of 
Lynchburg and Liberty. His command then proceeded to the Shenan- 
doah valley and he was under fire at the engagements of Cedar Creek and 
Winchester when Sheridan made his famous twenty-mile ride, rallied 
the Union forces and thereby turned the tide to victory. He was taken 
prisoner on the nth of January, 1865, at Beverly. West Virginia, and 
sent to Libby prison, where he remained for forty days. When cap- 
tured lie weighed one hundred and eighty pounds, and when released 
weighed but ninety-six. Afterward he was sent to Columbus, on a 
thirty days' furlough, and on the expiration of that period he rejoined his 
regiment at Philippi. West Virginia, being mustered out at Clarksburg. 
Virginia, on the 5th of August, 1865. He received an honorable dis- 
charge at Camp Dennison, near Cincinnati, and witli a most creditable 
record for valiant seivice he returned to his home in Clark county. Ohio. 
Mr. Smith there engaged in farming until 1868. when he came to 
Champaign county, settling in Mad River township, ami here on the 9th 
of September, 1869, he was united in marriage to Miss Martha E. God- 
dard, whose birth occurred in Mad River township, Champaign county, 
April 18. 1850. Her parents were the Rev. Jesse and Mary ( Edmisti m 
Goddard. Her father was born in Kentucky and when a young man 
came to Champaign county, settling in Mad River township. He was 
a minister 1 I the Methodist Episcopal church and his influence was 
marked throughout the community. His wife was born in Tennessee 
and there spent the first ten years of her life, after which she came to 



42 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

Ohio, her people settling in Pike township, Clark county. In the family 
were two sons and three daughters, of whom Mrs. Smith was the fourth 
in order of birth. She pursued her education in the district schools and 
was reared upon the home farm. Four children grace the union of our 
subject and his wife: Emory H. ; Elliott G., who married Edith Lutz; 
Nannie, at home; and Minnie, deceased. 

Mr. Smith is well known throughout Champaign county. Here 
he engaged in the operation of a threshing machine for thirty-six years 
and was also engaged in the agricultural implement business, selling 
farm machinery for more than twenty years. He likewise conducted a 
feed mill and sawmill for a number of years, and 'is now agent for 
Reeves & Company, threshers and engineers of Columbus, Indiana. He 
has given his time and attention also to the development and cultiva- 
tion of his own farm, and is a representative agriculturist of his town- 
ship. He votes with the Republican party and is a member of Powell 
Post, No. 381, of Tremont, Ohio, and is likewise identified with the 
Masonic fraternity, belonging to the blue lodge and chapter in St. Paris 
and the commandery in Urbana. He holds membership relations with 
the Knights of Pythias fraternity in Tremont; the Junior Order of 
American Mechanics and with Storm Creek Council, T. H., of Ohio. 
He is popular in fraternal circles and esteemed in social circles, and in 
all life's relations commands the respect and regard of those with whom 
he has been brought in contact. 



JAMES HENRY CHENEY. 

Collectively the farmer in whose hands has rested the fundamental 
development of communities, however great their ultimate commercial 
inclination, needs no epitaph to sound his praises in the ears of posterity. 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 43 

His accomplishments are an ever present blessing-, and it is sufficient 
that the acres wrested from primeval inactivity yield of their abundance 
with the coming of every summer, and that while factories burn and 
industries are crowded out of existence by the progress of science or the 
amalgamation of interests, the husbandman comes into his own with the 
sole hindrance of his own incapacity or the inclemency of the weather. 
And because of his inestimable services in all lands it may be said 
that the monument of the agriculturist is the luxury and opulence of 
the world, no matter how remote this happy state from his own fireside, 
and his enduring fame is the dignity of labor and the nobility of col- 
laborating with nature. Individually his sphere is enlarged or narrowed 
by his ability to cope with the political and governmental elements by 
which he is surrounded, and his personality is reflected in the condition 
of his fences and barns, his sanitation and cattle, his appreciation of 
modern improvements, and his tact and enterprise in bringing within 
the borders of his possession the pleasures and conveniences of present 
day existence. But the stable prosperity of this or any other section of 
the country cannot be noted solely from the standpoint of generaliza- 
tion. In the early days more than ordinarily astute and progressive 
minds came to Champaign county, and with splendid faith in its possi- 
bilities not only guided the plow, but raised their voices in the legislature 
in behalf of the most intelligent welfare of the community. A name 
associated with agricultural and political advancement through all the 
succeeding years since 1808 is that of Cheney, a family of pioneer and 
present distinction, and of which James Henry Cheney, one of the large 
land-owners of Champaign county, is a typical representative. 

In Union township, first pioneered by the Cheneys, James Henry 
Cheney was born in this county, December 1, 1839, a son of Jonathan 
and Rachel (Williams) Cheney, and grandson of Benjamin and Sarah 
(Cochran) Cheney. Accompanied by his wife, Benjamin Cheney left 



44 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

his native state of Virginia in 1808, and on the backs of horses made 
the journey to his future home in Union township. He inherited no 
wealth, his besl possessions being an honest name, good business ability, 
strong intellect and nobility of purpose. The unsettled conditions had 
need of just such material for the furtherance of general activities, and 
Mr. Cheney soon made his influence felt to a conspicuous extent. His 
unsurpassed thrift and sagacity resulted in the accumulation of an estate 
comprising nearly two thousand acres, but up to the time of his death, 
in 1834, he never moved from his first location. As a politician he 
entered into all the important county undertakings, and was not only a 
justice iff (he peace for many years, but was a member of the lower house 
of the Ohio legislature for twelve years. His political career was char- 
acterized by incorruptible integrity, and his duties were discharged with 
rare discretion and fidelity and commendable zeal. The wife, whose 
life terminated soon after his own, was the mother of seven sons and 
(me daughter, and of these Jonathan, the father of James Henry Cheney, 
possessed many of the admirable traits of his father. Jonathan Cheney 
was bum on the paternal farm in Union township in August of 1816, 
and in 1836 married Rachel, daughter of John W. and Eleanor (Duval ) 
Williams. Of this union there were eight suns and three daughters. 
The life occupation of Mr. Cheney was stock-raising, and, like his sire, 
his interests extended bej-ond his fertile fields to the general improve- 
ment of the county. He also was a justice of the peace for many years, 
and for two years he represented his county in the state legislature. 
lie bad the faculty of recognizing and improving opportunities, and his 
death. .March 6, 1864, removed one of the honored, progressive and 
popular members of the community. 

At the present time James Henry Cheney controls nearly a thousand 
acres of line farm land in Champaign county, and his operations are on 
an extensive scale, both as to general farming and stock-raising. His 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 4 5 

life has contained man}- elements of interest, and his man}" capabilities 
have connected him intimately with the latter day advancement of his 
locality. During the Civil war he served for a short time in Company 
E, One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and is 
m w a member of the Stephen Baxter Post, No. 88, Department of Ohio, 
Grand Ami}' of the Republic. In i860 he married Beatrice S. 'Full is, 
daughter of Ezra C. and Sarah Elizabeth ( EdnDondston ) Tullis, natives 
respectively of Champaign county. Ohio, and Maryland. The paternal 
grandfather. Ezra Tullis, was a Virginian who removed to Ohio in the 
early days, and after living a few years in Warren county settled in 
Champaign county, which remained his home until his death. The 
parents of Mrs. Cheney were married in Champaign count}', thereafter 
settling in Goshen township, where she was born, and where her early 
days were spent. Her father was a very successful farmer and large 
kind-owner, and he was an influential man in the county up to the time 
of his death, in 1869, at the age of fifty-four years. His wife, who is 
now living with her daughter, Mrs. James Henry Cheney, still retains 
the mental alertness which rendered her such an invaluable aid to her 
husband in his early struggles, and a large share of his energy is devoted 
to work in the Methodist Protestant church, of which she has been a 
member for manv years. She is seventy- four years old, and is the 
mi ither of one son and one daughter, of whom the former, \\ illiam E. 
Tullis, died in the service of his country, July 9, 1864, while a soldier 
in Company C, One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infan- 
try. To Mr. and Mrs. Cheney have been born the following children: 
E. E., of whom a personal sketch appears elsewhere in this work ; Brooke 
E.. who died at the age of twenty-seven; Lizzie R., who is the wo 
Marion L. Burnham ; and. William H., who is living with his parents. 
In 1875 Mr. and Mrs. Cheney left the farm near Mutual, upon 
which they had settled after their marriage, and took up their residence 



4 6 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

in Mechanicsburg that their children might receive better educational 
training. Both were fortunate in inheriting landed possessions, which, 
however, have been increased by wise management, and a scientific study 
of agricultural methods. For many years the Cheney home has been 
the center of gracious hospitality, the chatelaine thereof being a woman 
cf sterling traits of character and much tact, and who for years sang in 
the choir of the Methodist church. Mr. Cheney has maintained and 
even exalted the prestige established by earlier members of his family, 
yet he is withal an unassuming gentleman of the old school, and modestly 
bears his honors as one of the most public spirited and substantial citi- 
zens of the town and county. He is a Republican in national politics. 



ABSALOM C. JENNINGS. 

The history of a state as well as that of a nation is chiefly the chron- 
icles of the lives and deeds of those who have conferred honor and 
dignity upon society, whether in the broad sphere of public labors or in 
the more circumscribed, but not less worthy and valuable realm of in- 
dividual activity through which the general good is promoted. The 
name borne by the subject of this memoir is one which has stood ex- 
ponent for the most sterling personal characteristics, the deepest appre- 
ciation of the rights and privileges of citizenship, and is one which has 
been identified with the annals of Ohio history from the early pioneer 
epoch, when this now great and prosperous commonwealth lay on the 
verv frontier of civilization. Upon the personal career of our subject 
rests no shadow of wrong. His life was one of signal activity and use- 
fulness, his efforts being disseminated in various fields of endeavor and 
his success being' the direct sequel of his own discriminating and well 




ABSALOM C. JENHIHGS. 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 49 

directed efforts. He did much to promote the industrial prestige of 
champaign county, and here his name is held in lasting honor by all 
who know him. As a detailed record of the ancestral history appears 
in connection with the sketch of Edward Jennings, brother of our sub- 
ject, on another page of this work, it will not be necessary to recapitulate 
in this article. 

Absalom C. Jennings was a native son of the Buckeye state, hav- 
ing been born on a pioneer farm in Clark county, Ohio, on the 28th 
of February, 1815, being the second in order of birth of the five chil- 
dren of George and Jane (Chenoweth) Jennings, who emigrated from 
Virginia to Clark county, Ohio, in the year 18 14. Further details con- 
cerning them will be found in the sketch to which reference has already 
been made. All of the children are now deceased. Our subject was 
reared on the homestead farm and his early educational privileges were 
such as were afforded in the primitive district schools of the day. When 
a young man he came to Urbana. Champaign county, and here entered 
the employ of E. B. Cavalier, who was engaged in the general mer- 
chandise husiness. Here also he learned the saddlery and harness trade, 
and eventually he engaged in business in this line, at Marysville, Union 
county, Ohio, where he conducted a successful enterprise for a period 
of four years, being a natural salesman and a progressive and able busi- 
ness man, as was manifest in every portion of his long and honorable 
business career. In 1844 Mr. Jennings removed to New York city, 
where he was for two years in the employ of a leading merchant, J. L. 
Cochran. At the expiration of this period he associated himself with 
T. B. Read, under the firm name of Jennings, Read & Company, and 
engaged in the wholesale hat, cap, straw goods and fancy millinery busi- 
ness, the enterprise being conducted with consummate skill and discre- 
tion and proving successful. In 1859 Mr. Jennings disposed of his inter- 
ests in this concern and returned from the national metropolis to Cham- 



50 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

paign countv, Ohio 1 , locating in Urbana. He had purchased a tract of 
land in this county, and after residing in Urbana for a time he removed 
to his farm, in Salem township, in order the better to supervise his in- 
terests there. He erected the "round barn" on the place, and the same 
remains as one of the landmarks of this section of the state. Here he 
became one of the pioneers in the introduction of the important enter- 
prise of breeding fine horses and Jersey cattle in the county, and through 
his vigorous and timely efforts there was given an impetus to these lines 
of industry that has continued to be felt to the present, the value of his 
initiative efforts being inestimable. His place was known as the Nut- 
wood Farm, and under his supervision became one of the noted stock 
farms of this section of the Union. He gave special attention to the 
raising and training of standard and thoroughbred horses and the breed- 
ing of the highest type of Jersey cattle, being exceptionally successful 
and acquiring an extensive and valuable' landed estate in the county. 
From 1874 to 1877, inclusive, Mr. Jennings was engaged in the dry- 
goods business in Springfield, this state, but after disposing' of this busi- 
ness he continued to devote his entire attention to his farming and stock 
interests in Champaign county until his death, maintaining his resi- 
dence in the city of Urbana. where his death occurred on the 10th of 
March. 1895, aiK ' where his widow still maintains her home, the beau- 
tiful residence being hallowed by the memories and associations of the 
past. 

In his political adherency Mr. Jennings was originally an old-line 
Whig, but upon the organization of the Republican party he transferred 
his allegiance to the same and thereafter continued to support its prin- 
ciples and policies. While he was public-spirited and every ready to 
co-operate in any enterprise for the promotion of the general good, he 
never aspired to the honors of public office, holding his business interests 
as worthy of his undivided attention. He was beyond the age limit 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 5> 

of military service at the outbreak of the Rebellion, but manifested his 
loyalty and deep patriotism by sending two men into the service at his 
personal expense. He was broad and tolerant in his views, having a high 
regard for basic religious principles, though he never became a member 
of any church. He was however, a liberal contributor to the support 
of the Presbyterian church, of which Airs. Jennings has long been a de- 
voted adherent. Fraternally he was identified with the Masonic order 
and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His integrity of purpose 
was beyond cavil, in person he was genial and courteous, winning warm 
and enduring friendships, and in all the relations of life he stood as an 
upright, high-principled gentleman, commanding the respect and esteem 
of all with whom he came in contact. 

On the 26th of November, 1839, Mr. Jennings was united in mar- 
riage to Miss Julia A. McXay. who was born in Logan county, Ohio, 
the daughter of David and Rhoda (Wilcox) McXay, natives respectively 
of Kentucky and Xew York, from the former of which states they came 
to Ohio in the pioneer days, settling in Logan county. Mr. and Mrs. 
Jennings had no children. 



JOSEPH CHAMBERLIX. 

Few. if any, of the old residents of Champaign county have done 
more for its improvement in every direction than has the subject of this 
narrative. He was born in Livingston county, Xew York, on the 9th 
of May, 1834, and is a son of John and Sarah (Bodine) Chamberlin, 
also natives of that commonwealth and both descended from old colonial 
families. The founder of the family in America came from England 
with his wife and three children, and he was subsequently drowned in 
a whirlpool off the coast of Xew Jersey. His three sons settled in 



52 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

different parts of the United States, one locating in New England, one 
in the southern states and one in New Jersey. The great-grandparents 
of our subject were Joseph and Amy Chamberlin. Their son William, 
the grandfather of our subject, was born in Hunterdon county. New 
Jersey, in October, 1772, and on the 10th of June, 1793, he was united in 
marriage to Elizabeth Duckworth, and they had twelve children, eight 
sons and four daughters. In 1834 the family came to Ohio, locating 
on a farm at Vienna, Trumbull county. His death occurred on the 19th 
of March, 1 85 1 , when he had reached the age of seventy-eight years. 
John Chamberlin, the father of him whose name introduces this review, 
was born in New Jersey on the 10th of March, 1796, and in the state 
of his birth, on the 3d of March, 181 7, he was united in marriage to 
Sarah Bodine, by whom he had twelve children, — Matilda; Mary; Eliza- 
beth; Ann; Sarah Jane; John V. R. ; Emma and Hope, of Illinois; 
Joseph, of Ohio; Effie; and Angelina and William, both of Kansas. In 
1854 the family came to Champaign county, locating in Woodstock, 
where the parents spent the remainder of their lives. The father was 
an Adventist in his religious belief, and the mother was a member of the 
Presbyterian church. 

Joseph Chamberlin, of this review, received his elementary educa- 
tion in the public schools of Livingston county, and afterward attended 
the high school of Rochester, New York. When a young man he came 
with his parents to Woodstock, Ohio, where he was successfully engaged 
in mercantile pursuits for fifteen years, both before and after the Civil 
war, and during that time he also took large contracts for building gravel 
roads, having constructed in all fifty-three and a half miles of gravel 
road in Champaign, Logan and Union counties. In 1861, at the out- 
break of the Civil war, he enlisted in the Sixty-sixth Ohio Regimental 
I !and. in which he served until August, 1862, and during that time was 
a member of the Army of the Potomac, operating in Virginia. Dur- 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 53 

ing his army service he contracted rheumatism and heart trouble, and 
this necessitated his discharge at the above mentioned date, after which 
he returned to his home and resumed his mercantile business, thus con- 
tinuing until 1S80. In that year he received the nomination for the 
office of county sheriff, to which he was elected in the following Novem- 
ber, and so ably did he discharge the duties incumbent upon him in that 
important position that he was unanimously elected for a second \erm. 
His services therein were particularly appreciated by the Champaign 
county bar, who presented him with a gold-headed cane, bearing the in- 
scription "To Joseph Chamberlin, Sheriff, by the Bar of Urbana, Ohio, 
January 3. 1885," General Young making the presentation speech. Prior 
to his election to that office he had served his township as its treasurer for 
eleven vears. and for a long period he ably served as a constable. The 
cause of education has ever found in him a warm friend, and it was 
principally through his instrumentality that the special school district 
of Woodstock was organized, and he was also active in placing the 
cemeteries under the power of cemetery trustees. Mr. Chamberlin 
framed both bills, and it was through his influence that they were carried 
into effect. Six years ago he was made a notary public, and he is also 
a pension agent, discharging the duties of both positions to the entire 
satisfaction of all concerned. His farm, located in Rush township, com- 
prises one hundred and forty-five acres of rich and productive land, and 
all is under an excellent state of cultivation and improved with good 
and substantial buildings. 

Mr. Chamberlin was married on the 6th of January, 1859, "hen 
Miss Harriet Smith became his wife. She is a daughter of Jesse and 
Minerva Smith, of Woodstock, Ohio. The father was born in Wood- 
stock, Vermont, a son of Samuel and Phoebe (McCutcheon) Smith, also 
natives of that state, and the latter was of Scotch descent. Samuel 
Smith was the founder of the family in Champaign county. He was 



54 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

accompanied on the journey here by his wife and one child, Cyrus, and 
his brothers, and they arrived in Woodstock in 1820, where they were 
the first settlers. The family purchased a large tract of land in the 
vicinity of that village, where they made their permanent home. Unto 
Samuel and Phcebe Smith were born the following children: Cyrus, 
Jesse, Lois, Stephen and Amy, and all were born in this county with the 
exception of the eldest, who was born ere the family removed from their 
old Vermont home. The father was only permitted to enjoy his new 
home a few )ears, for his life's labors were ended in death about 1827. 
His brother, Jesse Smith, was an officer in the war of 1812, while another 
brother, Stillman, was killed at the battle of Fort Niagara, and Samuel 
was also a soldier in that war, in which he participated in the battle of 
Plattsburg. Jesse Smith, the father of Mrs. Chamberlin, married Mary 
M. Thomas, a daughter of Gardner and Thankful Thomas, who removed 
from near Stowe, Vermont, to Champaign county, Ohio, in 1834, locat- 
ing on a farm in Rush township, where they made their home for many 
years. He, too, was a soldier in the war of 181 2, and was at the battle 
of Plattsburg. He subsequently removed to Illinois, and there died at 
the home of a son. After the birth of their ten children Mr. and Mrs. 
Jesse Smith removed to Union county, Indiana, where they both died, 
the father in 1880 and the mother in 1872. Their children were: Helen, 
Harriet, Calvin. Phcebe T., Eliza A., Charles A., Ida L. Clarence M. 
J., Carroll and Solon H. Unto the union of our subject and wife have 
been born the following children: Charles, who was born October 2, 
1859. am ' died on the 14th of October, i860; Sarah, who was born 
August 24, 1861, and is the wife of Lincoln Burnham, of Goshen town- 
ship. Champaign county; Jessie Helen, who was born June 4, 1865, and 
died August 10, 1865; Harriet Maude, who was born December 9, 
1874, and married C. K. Lincoln, of Rush township: and Bell, win was 
born lime 3, 1881, and died July 21 of the same vear. Mr. Chamberlin 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 55 

is identified with the Masonic order, being a charter member of Cham- 
paign Lodge, No. 525, of Urbana, is a member of Woodstock Lodge, 
No. i-'j, I. O. O. F., and is also a charter member of W. A. Brand 
Post. G. A. R., of Lrbana. Politically he is a lifelong Republican and 
is an active worker in the ranks of his party. Mrs. Chamberlin is a 
member of the Universalist church. 



SAMUEL SLUSSER. 

An able representative of the agricultural interests of Champaign 
county is Mr. Slusser, whose finely improved and attractive farmstead 
is eligibly located in Johnson township, while he is known as one of the 
progressive and representative citizens of the community. 

Mr. Slusser is a native son of the old Buckeye state, having been 
born on a farm in Miami county, Ohio, on the 25th of October, 1829, 
the date signifying that he is a representative of one of the pioneer 
families of the state. His father, Peter Slusser, w : as born in Virginia, 
whence he emigrated to Miami county. Ohio, when a young man and 
subsequently to the war of 1812. in which he was an active participant. 
In Montgomery count}', this state, was solemnized his marriage to Miss 
Mary McFadden, who was born and reared in Pennsylvania, and they 
became the parents of six children, namely: David, who is deceased; 
Samuel, who is the immediate subject of this review; Charlotte; Mary 
Ellen: and two who died in infancy. 

When our subject was a child of four years the family came to 
Champaign county and located on the farm which he now makes his 
home, the place having been at the time heavily timbered and having 



56 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

no improvements. The father cleared a portion of the tract of eighty 
acres and became the owner of an estate of sixty-five acres. Here lie 
devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits until his death, which 
occurred in the year 185 1, after which the estate was divided among 
the heirs. The mother of our subject passed away in 1890. Mr. Slusser 
now has an excellent farm of sixty-five acres, the land being exceptionally 
prolific and having appreciated in value by reason of the discriminating 
care taken in its improvement and cultivation. He has practically passed 
his entire life on this old homestead, and his early educational advantages 
were such as were afforded in the district schools maintained in the 
pioneer epoch. In politics he gives his support to the principles and 
policies of the Democratic party, and he and his family are devoted 
members of the Mount Pleasant Baptist church, of which our subject 
is a trustee arid one of its most valued members, having been actively 
identified with the erection of the present church edifice, while his influ- 
ence has ever been cast on the side of all worthy undertakings and 
causes. He is one of the county's honored pioneer residents and has the 
esteem of all who know him. 

On the 2d of November. 1856, Mr. Slusser was united in marriage 
to Miss Louisa Jenkins, who was born in this county on the 15th of 
August, 1820,, the daughter of Edden and Elizabeth (Pence) Jenkins, 
both of whom were born in Virginia, their marriage being solemnized 
in Champaign county. Thev became the parents of twelve children, of 
whom only two are now living, Mrs. Slusser having been the seventh 
in order of birth. Our subject and his estimable wife, who has been his 
devoted companion and helpmeet for nearly a half century, have three 
children, all of whom were born on the old homestead. Mary E. is 
the wife of .Andrew Jordan, of Johnson township; John is engaged in 
farming in Jackson township; and Corey is a successful farmer of John- 
son township on the old homestead. 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 59 

EDWARD JENNINGS. 

To have attained to the extreme fulness of years and to have had 
one's ken broadened to a comprehension of all that has been accomplished 
within the flight of many days, is of itself sufficient to render consonant 
the consideration of such a life in a work of this nature, but in 
the case at hand there are more pertinent, more distinguishing- 
elements, — those of usefulness, of high honor, of marked intellectuality, 
of broad humanitarian spirit and of well earned success, — which lift in 
high regard the subjective personality of one who has ever stood four 
square to every wind that blows. No shadows darken any period of the 
long and honorable life of the venerable subject of this review, who has 
now passed the age of four score years and ten. and his has been the 
advantage of an ancestry typical of all that makes for integrity and true 
worth. 

A resident of the city of Urbana, where many years of his life have 
been passed, though his efforts have been desseminated over a wide field 
of business enterprises in various sections of the Union, this patriarchal 
citizen is known to practically every member of the community and to 
him is granted that reverence due to so advanced age and to one whose 
life has been of signal integrity and honor. No record touching the life 
histories of the representative men of Champaign county would be con- 
sistent with itself were there failure to revert to the career of Edward 
Jennings. Back to that cradle of much of our national history, the Old 
Dominion state, must we turn in tracing the genealogy of our subject, 
and it is found that he was born in Berkeley county, Virginia (now 
West Virginia), on the 1st of April, 181 1, being the eldest of the five 
children of George and Jane (Chenoweth) Jennings and the only one 
living at the present time, the other children having been Absalom C. 
(elsewhere mentioned in this work). Amy Jane, Sarah C. and Nancy C. 



60 CEXTEXXIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

The parents of our subject were both born in Berkeley county, Virginia, 
whence they came to Ohio in the year 1814, locating on a tract of land in 
Clark county, where the father reclaimed a farm from the forest wilds, 
in later years he became interested in farming, and while on a business 
trip in connection therewith met an accidental death, being drowned in 
the Ohio river, about the year 1825. About nine years later his widow 
moved to Urbana, where she passed the residue of her life, being sum- 
moned into eternal rest in 1876. She was a woman of gentle and noble 
character, a zealous worker in the Baptist church, exemplifying her 
Christian faith in the daily walk of life, and winning the love of a large 
circle of devoted friends. 

Edward Jennings was about four years of age at the time of his 
removal to Ohio, and was reared on the old homestead farm in Clark 
early beginning to contribute to the work of the same and having such 
educational advantages as were offered in the primitive log school-lion^ ■ 
of the period. Upon attaining the age of seventeen years he left the home 
farm and came to Urbana, where he found employment in the general 
merchandise store of E. B. Cavalier, one of the pioneer business men of 
the town, fie was thus engaged for a period of five years, at the expira- 
tion of which he removed to Circleville, Pickaway county, where he held 
a clerkship about one and one-half years, proceeding thence to Chilli- 
cothe, where he secured an interest in a general store and also engaged in 
the grain business, disposing of his interests four years later, in 1837, 
and being for the next year at leisure, passing the greater portion of this 
interval in New' York city. In the meanwhile he entered into partnership 
with other citizens of Chillicothe, under the firm name of Wilcox, Barber 
& Jennings, and established the first wholesale dry-goods enterprise in 
that place, the firm becoming Wilcox & Jennings one year after the open- 
ing of the business. This enterprise was thus continued for six years, at 
the expiration of which Air. Jennings disposed of his interests and went 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 61 

to New York citv, where he engaged in the same line of enterprise, under 
the firm name of Mozier, Jennings & Company, Mr. Mozier withdrawing 
at the end of two years, whereupon the firm became Tweedy, Jennings 
& Company. Two years later our subject sold out his interests, having in 
the meanwhile associated himself with his brother, Absalom C. and with 
T. B. Read, both of Urbana, in the manufacturing of straw hats and in 
the wholesaling of the products, together with hats, caps and fancy mil- 
linery, under the firm name of Jennings, Read & Company. Mr. Jen- 
nings gave no personal attention to this enterprise and finally withdrew 
from the firm, as did also his brother. He had acquired considerable 
real estate in Highland and Clinton counties, Ohio, and there he passed 
s< .me time in the supervision of his interests. Finally, owing to the im- 
paired health of his wife, he took her to Cincinnati for treatment and this 
led to his forming acquaintances in that city, where he finally secured an 
interest in a wholesale grocery business, which was conducted under the 
firm title of Jennings & Butterfield and later that of Jennings, Butter- 
field &: Clark. For nearly twenty years our subject continued to retain 
an interest in this business, which became one of importance. He con- 
tinued his residence in Cincinnati about five years and then came to 
Urbana. in 1859, where he has ever since maintained his home. — a term 
of more than forty years, within which he has been known as a public- 
spirited citizen, lending aid and influence in support of measures for the 
public good and contributing to the progress and material prosperity of 
the city, whose growth from the position of a primitive country town he 
has witnessed. Mr. Jennings has extensive landed interests in Cham- 
paign county, and when he came here in 1859 interested himself in the 
raising of high-grade stock upon a large scale, doing much to promote 
this line of industry in this section of the state. He owns what is known 
as the Governor Vance farm, one of the finest properties in the county, 
and also other valuable lands. While he has been a stanch adherent of 



62 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

the Republican party from the time of its organization, Mr. Jennings has 
never sought political preferment and has invariably refused to permit 
his name to be considered in connection with candidacy for office. His 
life has been a successful one from every viewpoint, and his prosperity 
has been achieved by worthy means, thus retaining to him uniform con- 
fidence and esteem. He lives in a modest farm home, the same, however 
being within the city limits of Urbana. 

On the 4th of June, 1839, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. 
Jennings to Miss Anna M. Bentley, who was born in Highland county, 
Ohio, the daughter of Colonel Eli P. Bentley, one of the pioneers of 
Highland county, but was living at Chillicothe at the time of her marriage. 
She proved a devoted companion and helpmeet to her husband, being a 
woman of sterling character and gentle refinement and holding the deep 
affection of those who came within the immediate sphere of her gracious 
and kindly influence. She passed away in April, 1890, at the age of 
sixty-seven years, having been a communicant of and zealous worker in 
the Protestant Episcopal church. Mr. and Mrs. Jennings became the 
parents of three sons and three daughters, of whom there are now living 
only the two sons, — Edward P. and George B. both of whom are resi- 
dents of Urbana. 



DAVID J. JOHNSON. 

David J. Johnson, a representative of a prominent old Virginia 
family and a leading agriculturist of Champaign county, was born in 
Frederick county. Virginia, May 11, 1820. In the Old Dominion his 
paternal grandfather was also born, and he was of Dutch descent. Amos 
Johnson, the father of our subject, claimed Frederick county as the place 
of his nativity, his birth there occurring on October 30, 1775, and he was 



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CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 65 

there reared and married. The year 1833 witnessed his arrival in the 
Buckeye state, his first location being in Licking county, but in the fol- 
lowing year he came to Champaign county, purchasing a farm near Kings 
Creek, Salem township. His death occurred in Wayne township, this 
county, when he had reached the eighty-fifth milestone on the journey 
of life. He was a life-long farmer, a member of the Christian church, 
and a supporter of the Democracy, fie was ever a loyal and progressive 
citizen, and was a soldier in the war of 1812. His wife, who bore the 
maiden name of Mary Groceman, was also a native of the Old Dominion, 
born in 1782, and she, too, was a member of a prominent old family of 
that commonwealth and of Dutch descent. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson be- 
came the parents of twelve children, eight sons and four daughters, all 
of whom grew to years of maturity and with one exception all were 
married. 

David J. Johnson, whose name introduces this review, is the 
eleventh in order of birth in the above family and the only one now liv- 
ing. When twelve years of age he left the county of his nativity, and in 
the following year came to Champaign county, where he received his 
education in the old time log school house. After his marriage he made 
his home in Salem for a time, but in 1848 located on the farm on which 
he still resides. He here owns seventy acres of rich and fertile land, all 
of which is under an excellent state of cultivation, and his fields annually 
return to their owner abundant harvests. 

In Salem township. Champaign county, on the 26th of February, 
1845, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Gutridge, 
who was born in that locality on the 3d of August, 1822, a daughter 
of Richard and Lucretia (Manus) Gutridge, prominent early settlers 
of this county. Four children have blessed the union of our subject and 
wife, namely: Eliza Jane, the wife' of Charles W. Hollingsworth. of 
Urbana; James I., who married Mary Norman and resides on the old 



66 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

homestead ; Ella, the wife of L. R. Marshall, of Mingo, Wayne township; 
and S. Elizabeth, the deceased wife of John Nincehelser. Mr. Johnson 
has been a life-long member of the Democratic party, and for over fifty 
years has been a member of the Baptist church, in which he has long been 
an office holder. He has made good use of his opportunities through life, 
lias prospered from year to year and all who know him have the highest 
admiration for his good qualities of heart and mind. 



EMORY HEDGES. 



Aiming the native sons and representative farmers of Champaign 
countv the subject of this sketch enjoys marked prestige as one of the 
pioneer citizens and as one who has attained a high degree of success 
through his efforts in connection with the noble art of husbandry. He 
has nearly attained the psalmist's span of three score years and ten, but 
the vigor begotten of the free and invigorating life of the farm has 
warded off the encroachments of the years and he is a sturdy and active 
man and one who takes pleasure in the supervision of the work of his 
fine farmstead, which is located in Urbana township, in section 14. 

Mr. Hedges was born on the farm which is now his home, the date 
of his nativity having been June 1, 1833. His father. Jonas Hedges, 
was born in Berkeley county, Virginia (now West Virginia), and was 
there reared to maturity, having been an active participant in the war of 
1812, alter which he married and came to Champaign county, Ohio, as 
one of its earliest pioneers. He located in Urbana township, in the midst 
of the forest wilds, and here cleared and improved a considerable tract of 
government land, having at one time owned the farm now owned by 
M. B. Saxbe, as well as that occupied by our subject, and having made 
improvements on both. He was an influential man in the pioneer com- 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 67 

munity, was originally a supporter of the Whig part}-, but transferred 
his allegiance to the Republican party at the time of its organization, 
and was thereafter an active worker in its local ranks, while he served 
for many years as justice of the peace and was also a member of the 
board of directors of the county infirmary. He and his wife were both 
zealous and consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church. 
Jonas Hedges died in 1864, at the age of seventy-five years. He was 
a son of Samuel Hedges, who likewise was born in Berkeley county, 
Virginia, and there devoted his life to agricultural pursuits, having 
been a Whig in his political proclivities. The original American ances- 
tors came to this country in the year 1600, and representatives of the 
name may now be found in the most diverse sections of the Union. 
The maiden name of our subject's mother was Elizabeth Robinson, ami 
she also was born in Berkeley county, Virginia, of stanch old Irish stock. 
Jonas and Elizabeth Hedges became the parents of twelve children, all 
but three of whom were born after the family's removal to Champaign 
county, the subject of this sketch being the youngest. 

Emory Hedges had a somewhat extraordinary experience ere he 
had attained sufficient age to appreciate the same, and it is almost a 
miracle that he lived to learn of the incident. When he was a child ol 
eighteen months he fell into a well fifty-two feet in depth and was 
rescued uninjured. The early routine of his boyhood was not materially 
changed by reason of this accident, resulting from the venturesome spirit 
of inquisitive childhood, and he early began to assist in the work of the 
farm, while his educational training was secured in the public schools 
of the locality and period. He had completed his educational discipline 
at the age of nineteen years and thereafter continued to assist his father 
in the work of the old homestead until the time of his marriage, in 1 S 5 7 . 
when he removed to Clark county, this state, and was there engaged 
in farming for an interval of about eight years. His father's death 



68 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

at this time brought about our subject's return to the present home- 
stead, which he inherited by the terms of his father's will, and here has 
he ever since been actively engaged in general farming and stock- 
raising, devoting special attention to the raising of a fine grade of swine. 
His farm comprises one hundred and twenty acres and the same has the 
best of permanent improvements and is under most effective cultivation, 
being one of the valuable places of this township. 

Mr. Hedges is a stalwart Republican in politics and has ever taken 
a proper interest in local affairs of a public nature. His first presi- 
dential vote was cast in support of General John C. Fremont, the first 
candidate of the Republican party, in 1856. He is now serving as 
trustee of his township and is one of the honored old settlers of the 
county. During the war of the Rebellion be was in service for one 
hundred days, having enlisted as a private in the One Hundred and 
Thirty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and he received his honorable 
discharge at the expiration of his term of enlistment. Mr. Hedges 
and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and he 
is at the present time a member of the board of trustees of his church. 

In December, 1857, Mr. Hedges was united in marriage to Miss 
Nancy G. Gener, who was born in this county. They have the foil' iw- 
ing children, namely: Henry, Nettie, Robert, Morley C, Mary and 
Anna, the eldest son being a graduate of the Ohio State University, at 
Columbus, and being now a successful teacher in the public schools. 



WINFIELD T. SHRIGLEY. 

For many years W. T. Shrigley has been identified with the agri- 
cultural interests of Champaign county. He was born in Coshocton coun- 
ty,Ohio, on the 31st of August, 1847, son of James and Eliza (Shaffer) 




MR. AHD MRS. WINFIELD T. SHRIG-LEY. 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 71 

Shrigley. The former, a coal miner by occupation, was a native of Ohio, 
of Dutch and Irish descent, and was a soldier in the war of the Rebellion. 
The mother was born in Loudoun county, Virginia, and was of German 
descent. In their family were three sons and two daughters. 

VV. T. Shrigley, the eldest in order of birth of five children, enjoyed 
the advantages afforded by the common schools of his*native county, and 
during the summer months assisted in the work of the home farm. On 
the 4th of April. 1883, he arrived in Champaign county, and immediately 
located on the farm on which he still resides. He has ever been an active 
worker in the ranks of the Republican party. In 1892 he was elected to 
the office of township trustee, and for six years served in that position, 
while for many years he has been a school director. At one time he en- 
listed in the independent militia, and later re-enlisted for a three years 
term, but on account of his age and size he was rejected, and he now 
holds an honorable discharge. In his social relations he is a member of 
the Junior Order of American Mechanics. 

On the 19th of October, 1880, Mr. Shrigley was united in marriage 
to Mrs. Rebecca J. (Loder) William-, a native of Coshocton county, 
Ohio, and a daughter of Aaron and Rebecca (Darling) Loder. Aaron 
Loder was born in Pennsylvania and remained there until the age of 
twelve or fourteen, when he removed to Coshocton county, Ohio, where 
he became a successful farmer and died at about the age of seventy-six 
years. His wife was born in Coshocton county, her father being James 
Darling, a farmer and stock-raiser, who achieved great success in that 
line of business. Mrs. Shrigley, the youngest of the ten children of 
Aaron and Rebecca Lcdei, was born in 1848, and in her native county 
she was reared to years of maturity. By her marriege to Mr. Shrigley 
she has became the mother of two children, — Winfield L., born December 
30. 1882, at home; and Leatha May, born September 25, 1891, who is 
now eleven years of age. No one in the community enjoys a better repu- 



72 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

tation for word or deed than Mr. Shrigley, and when a man stands high 
in the estimation of the people who have known him during the greater 
part of his life no greater testimonial to his worth can be given. 



ELIJAH PENCE. 



This well known and honored citizen of Champaign county has 
passed practically his entire life in Mad River township, and is a rep- 
resentative of one of the sterling pioneer families of the county. That 
the name became identified with the annals of Champaign county at an 
early period in its history is evident from the very fact that our subject 
was born here nearly eighty years ago, and he is particularly entitled to 
representation in this work, which has to do with those who have been 
the founders and builders of the count)'. 

Mr. Pence was born in Mad River township on the 9th of May, 
1823, being the son of Henry Pence, who was born in Shenandoah 
count)', Virginia, where he was reared to maturity and where occurred 
his marriage to Elizabeth Mouser, who was likewise born in the Old 
Dominion state. Henry Pence was the son of Lewis Pence, who was one 
of the first settlers in Champaign county, as was also John Pence, who 
was his cousin. Loth settled in Mad River township, taking up govern- 
ment land and reclaiming farms in the heavily timbered region. Both 
the father and the grandfather of our subject died on the farm which 
is now his home, the same being located in section 8. The mother 
lived to attain the age of sixty-one years. She was a daughter of John 
Mouser, who likewise was one of the pioneer settlers of this county. 
Henry and Elizabeth Pence became the parents of two sons and three 
daughters, the subject of this sketch having been the third child and 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 73 

the elder of the two sons. All the children were born on the old home- 
stead farm where he now lives and all attained years of maturity and 
were married. 

Elijah Pence grew up under the discipline of the pioneer farm- 
stead, earlv beginning to contribute his quota to the strenuous toil 
demanded in the reclamation and cultivation of the land, and receiving 
such educational discipline as was afforded in the primitive schools ot 
the earlv days. He remained at the parental home until his marriage, 
in 1849, and he then located on a tract of land which he had purchased 
in this township, there retaining his residence for about two years, at 
the expiration of which he disposed of his property and removed to 
Fayette coutny, Iowa, where he purchased a tract of land and there 
engaged in agricultural pursuits for a period of about fifteen years. He 
then removed to Audrain county, Missouri, where he purchased a farm, 
but he disposed of the same about eighteen months later and returned 
to Iowa, locating in Washington county, where he purchased a farm and 
there continued to reside for fifteen years, at the expiration of which 
he came to Champaign county once more, here effecting the purchase of 
his present fine homestead, which was the place of his birth, the land 
having been taken up by John Pence. Our subject has made the best 
of improvements on the old homestead, including a residence which 
is one of the best farm dwellings in the count}-. Mr. Pence now rents 
his farm and has practically retired from active labor, enjoying, in his 
venerable age, that quiet and dignified repose which is the just reward 
of years of earnest toil and endeavor. In politics he gives a stanch 
support to the principles and policies of the Republican party, and both 
he and his wife have long been devoted members of the Methodist 
Episcopal church. 

On the 8th of June, 1849, Mr. Pence was united in marriage to 
Miss Elizabeth J. Marklev, who was born in Maryland, whence her 



74 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

parents emigrated to Champaign county when she was about three years 
of age. Her father, Andrew Markley, was born in Maryland in the 
year 1800, and he died when about thirty years of age. His wife, 
whose maiden name was Elizabeth Garloch, was likewise born in Mary- 
land, and she survived him many years, passing away at the age of 
sixty-eight. Mrs. Pence was the youngest in a family of four sons 
and two daughters and is the only survivor of the family. Our subject 
and his wife are the oldest couple in Mad River township, and they 
have been companions on the pathway of life for more than half a cen- 
tury. They are held in the highest esteem in the community, where 
their friends are in number as their acquaintances. They have no 
children. 

•-•-• 

ALFRED F. TAYLOR. 

One of the prominent and influential farmers and stock-growers 
of Champaign county is the gentleman whose name introduces this 
paragraph, and it is fitting that we incorporate a brief review of his 
career, which has been one of marked success and honor. 

Mr. Taylor is a native of Cambridgeshire, England, where he was 
born on the 8th of Nov ember, 1850, being the sou of George Taylor, 
who was likewise born in Cambridgeshire, whence he emigrated to 
America in the year 1851, and he located on a farm in Wayne county, 
Ohio, where he maintained his home for about fifteen years, having 
sent to England for his family in 1854. From Wayne county he 
removed to Ontario county, New York, where he lived for a number 
of years, but he now resides with his son William in Hillsdale county, 
Michigan, having attained the venerable age of eighty-three years. His 
wife, whose maiden name was Sarah Heigho, died in 1898. They 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 75 

became the parents of eight children, namely : Edward, Henry, Will- 
iam, Alfred F., George, Arthur. Charles and Anna May. All are liv- 
ing except the daughter, who became the wife of William Burnett and 
died November 13, 1900. 

Alfred F. Taylor was about four years of age when he came with 
his mother tc America, and was reared on the paternal farmstead in 
Wayne county, his educational advantages being such as were afforded 
by the public schools of the locality. He assisted his father in the opera- 
tion of the farm until he had attained the age of twenty-one years, when 
he gave inception to his independent business career by engaging in the 
contract for getting out one thousand tons of plaster rock in Phelps 
township, Ontario county, New York, the contract being for the amount 
of seven hundred and fifty dollars. He thereafter continued to make 
his home in Ontario county until the spring of 1874, when he located 
in Summit county, Ohio, where he was associated with his brother Will- 
iam in farming', thus continuing for a period of three years. During 
the next three years he was employed by O. S. Burt, of Granger. Ohio, 
in the buying of produce, and he then passed a similar period in connec- 
tion with a grocery business in the city of Cleveland. After his mar- 
riage he was engaged as a traveling salesman until 1887. when he came 
to Champaign county and located on a farm one mile north of Wood- 
stock, and there continued to reside about three years, when he came 
to this county, where he now owns one hundred and seventy acres in 
Mad River township, which is one of the best places in this section of 
the county. He has devoted special attention to the raising of high- 
grade live stock, and is known as one of the leading stock-growers 
of this section of the state. Mr. Taylor is enterprising, progressive and 
energetic, and has attained a high degree of success through his well 
directed efforts, while his course has been such as to retain to him the 
confidence and esteem of all with whom he has come in contact. In 



76 CEXTEXXIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

politics he is a stalwart Republican, and fraternally is identified with 
Magrew Lodge, No. 433, Knights of Pythias, at Westville. He is 
a member of the schood board of his district and takes marked interest 
in all that concerns the progress and material prosperity of the o im- 
munity. 

In the year 1876 Air. Taylor was united in marriage to Miss Rachel 
Spensley, who was horn in Medina county, Ohio, and they have one son 
Edward T., who is associated with his father in the management of 

the farm. 

* • » 

WILLIAM F. HYDE, M. D. 

The true spirit of progress and enterprise is exemplified in the 
lives of such men as Dr. William Fulton Hyde, — men whose energetic 
natures and laudable ambition have enabled them to conquer many 
adverse circumstances and advance steadily to a leading position in 
business life. The Doctor is a worthy representative of this class, 
and is now- a prominent figure in the professional circles of Champaign 
count)'. 

Dr. Hyde was born in York township. Union county, Ohio, <>n the 
23d of December, 1856, a son of John B. and Elizabeth ( Davis) Hyde, 
the former of English and the latter of Welsh and Irish descent, and 
both were born in the eastern part of Ohio. The father was a farmer 
by occupation, and his father, Samuel Hyd:, died during the removal 
of the family to Union county. The marriage of John B. and Eliza- 
beth (Davis) Hyde was blessed with nine children, five sons and four 
daughters, of whom the Doctor was the youngest in order of birth. His 
elementary education was received in the district schools of his native 
county, and later lie entered the Richwood high school, in which he 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 77 

was graduated in 1S74. In order to defray the expenses of a medical 
education he then began farm labor, and after receiving the necessary 
means entered the Columbus Medical College, in which he was grad- 
uated in 1887. He immediately began the practice of his chosen call- 
ing in Bokes Creek, Union county, where he remained for six years, 
and since 1893 has been numbered among the medical practitioners of 
Christiansburg. His knowledge of the science of medicine is compre- 
hensive and accurate, and by the constant perusal of medical literature 
he keeps thoroughly abreast with the times. 

In 1875 Dr. Hyde was united in marriage to Sarah A. Monroe, a 
native also of Union county, Ohio, and a daughter of L. G. Monroe, one 
of the early pioneers of Logan county, this state. Mr. and Mrs. Hyde 
have three children, namely: Willard Blackborn, who is preparing for 
the medical profession at Columbus ; Stella Atlanta, a successful school 
teacher; and Maude Monroe, who is attending school. The Doctor was 
formerly a member of the Medical Society, and is also a member of the 
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Rebekah lodge and the Masonic 
fraternity. Religiously his membership is with the Methodist Episcopal 
church, in which he is an active worker, while in his political affilia- 
tions he is a stanch Republican. His fidelity to every duty of public 
and private life has gained him high esteem, ami his ability in the line 
of his profession has won him a gratifying financial success. 



JAMES W. BLACK. 

James W. Black is a well known farmer of Salem township, his 
home being in section 20 and within the borders of this township, his 
birth occurring October 28. 1S54. his parents being James and Caroline 



78 CENTENXIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

(Culbertson) Black. He is the youngest in a family of eight children 
and was reared in the place of his nativity, his education being acquired 
in the district schools. He worked on the home farm, the duties of 
field and meadow early becoming familiar to him through practical 
experience. He chose as a companion and helpmate for the journey of 
life Miss Lizzie Robbins, the marriage being celebrated on the 21st of 
December, 1882. The lady is a native of Logan county, Ohio, her birth 
having occurred in West Liberty, March 8, 1862. Her father, John 
W., was a native of New Jersey, and emigrated westward, taking up 
his abode in Logan county, Ohio, about 1857. By trade he was a 
blacksmith and long followed that pursuit, his death occurring when 
be was fifty-two years of age. His wife bore the maiden name of 
Rebecca Huff and her birth occurred in Hunterdon county, New Jersey. 
They became the parents of three children : Bell, the wife of J. R. Black, 
who is mentioned on another page of this volume: William, a resident 
of California ; and Mrs. James W. Black, of this review. She was 
reared in West Liberty and after her marriage went as a bride to the 
old Black homestead, the young couple taking up their abode in the 
house that his grandfather, Captain Alexander Black, had erected in 
1818, our subject being a representative of the third generation to occupy 
this home. He carries on general farming and stockraising, and in con- 
nection with his brother owns and operates about six hundred acres of 
rich and arable land, his farming interests being crowned with a very 
creditable degree of success. He is also a stockholder and one of the 
directors of the Farmers Banking Company of West Liberty, and is 
financially interested in a business block at that place. 

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Black has been blessed with four chil- 
dren : Burr R., born in 1887; Geneva B., born in 1890; Howard C, 
born May 24, 1893; and Virginia, born August 23, 1901. Mr. Black 
votes with the Republican party and has served as a school director, but 





D 




v??/&<f 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 81 

does not seek or desire public office. He belongs to Liberty Lodge, 
No. 96, I. O. O. F., and is a popular and esteemed representative of 
that organization. His entire life has been passed in Salem township, 
and he is now living upon the farm which has been in the possession 
of the Black family since 1809. From pioneer days down to the present, 
representatives of the name have borne their share in promoting the 
best interests of this section of the state, and Mr. Black is widely recog- 
nized as a progressive and public spirited citizen. 



IVAN B. THOMAS. 

The history of agricultural interests in Champaign county would be 
incomplete without mention of Ivan B. Thomas, a well known farmer of 
Salem township, whose birth occurred January 30, 1832, at the place of 
his present residence. His father was Colonel John Thomas, a native 
of Maryland, who was reared and educated in Hagerstown and on emi- 
grating westward when a young man, located in Ross county, Ohio, 
coming to Champaign county about 1807. He took up his abode on a 
farm in 'Kings Creek and became a leading and influential citizen of the 
community. He was Colonel of a militia regiment in the war of 181 2, 
and made his home in this county at the time when all was so wild that 
it was necessary to have a block house upon his farm in order to secure 
protection against Indians. For thirty-three years he served as justice 
of the peace and his fidelity to duty was most marked as is indicated by 
his long continuance in the position. He held membership in the Method- 
ist Protestant church and his home was always open for the reception of 
ministers of any denomination who came to the neighborhood. He voted 
the Whig ticket in early life, supported Clay and Harrison and was al- 



82 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

ways fearless in defense of his honest convictions. His death occurred 
when he was seventy-one years of age. His wife, who bore the maiden 
name of Alary Johnson, was bom in Pennsylvania in 1802 and when two 
years of age was brought to Ohio, while in 1806 she became a resident of 
Champaign county. Her death occurred in her eighty-fifth year. Her 
father, Jacob Johnson, removed from the Keystone state to Ohio in 
pioneer times and was numbered among- the honored and worthy pioneers 
of Champaign county. Mr. Thomas, the father of our subject, was twice 
married, his first union being with Miss Anna Morris of Pickaway 
county. They had a large family of whom but two are living : William 
and Josephus. both residents of Wayne township, Champaign county. 
Unto the parents of our subject were born five children, of whom Ivan 
P>. 'I homas is the eldest and the only survivor. 

Tjpon the home farm, where he is yet living, our subject was reared 
and his education was pursued in a log school house near by, seated with 
hewed log seats and supplied with a puncheon floor. As soon as old 
enough to handle a plow he began work in the fields and has since been 
an active factor in the cultivation of the soil. In connection with his 
brother he carries on a grain business, as a member of the firm of Ivan 
B. Thomas & Brother, their elevator being located in Kennerd. Mr. 
Thomas became connected with this line of commercial activity in 1866 
and is still engaged therein, being the oldest grain merchant in the county. 
His operatic ins in this line, however, have not demanded all of his at- 
tention for he has always carried on farming. He is likewise one of the 
stockholders in the Citizens National Bank and has been one of its di- 
rectors from 1878 until the present year. 1902. 

In 187O Mr. Thomas was united in marriage to Lucretia Burnett, a 
native of Tuscarawas countv, Ohio, who was there reared and educated. 
Our subject and his wife now have four children: Edward B., Robert 
P., Mara and Roy J. 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 83 

For nine years Mr. Thomas filled the office of justice of the peace 
and the prompt and faithful manner in which he has ever discharged his 
duties has won him the confidence and commendation of all concerned . 
He is a stanch Republican, having voted for that party since he cast his 
first ballot for Fremont in 1856. He has also been judge of elections, 
acting in that capacity throughout the period of the Civil war. His 
fellow townsmen have often solicited him to become a candidate for 
county offices but he has always refused, preferring to devote his time 
and energies to his business interests in which he has met with very 
gratifying success. 

Under the call of then Governor Tod, of Ohio, for minute- 
men to protect the state at the time that General Kirby Smith was 
in Kentucky and threatening Cincinnati, our subject went as a private 
to the defense of that city and when the danger was over returned. In 
1861, our subject belonged to the state militia, served as captain and 
retained that position until they were honorably discharged. 



JOHX W. YEISLEY. 

Rev. John William Yeisley, pastor of the Reformed church at 
Saint Paris, was born in Millmont, Union county, Pennsylvania. May 
17. 1866, and is a son of Elias and Rebecca (Lenig) Yeisley. natives 
of Pennsylvania and of German descent. The family is an old colonial 
one and was founded in Northampton county, Pennsylvania, prior to 
the Revolutionary war. and some of its descendants still reside there. 
The father of our subject followed the tilling of the soil as a life occupa- 
tion and was a loyal soldier in the Civil war. He became the father of 
six children, three of whom are still living. The mother was called to 



8 4 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

her final rest in 1901, she having been a member of the Lutheran faith. 
The boyhood days of John W. Yeisley were passed upon the farm, 
and in the public schools in Union county he received his elementary 
education. His knowledge gained therein was later supplemented by 
a course in the Central Pennsylvania College, of New Berlin, that state, 
in which he spent three years, and during the succeeding year he pur- 
sued his theological studies in the Reformed Episcopal Seminary, at 
Philadelphia. He next entered the Heidelberg Seminary, at Tiffin, Ohio, 
in which he also spent one year. For a similar period he was a student 
in Wittenberg Seminary. During these three years he regularly filled 
appointments as a student supply. He was licensed to preach at Hamil- 
ton, Ohio, in 1898, and a few days later, on the 17th of May. was 
ordained at Saint Paris, by Rev. D. Burghlater, now editor of the 
Christian World, the official organ of the church in the middle states, 
and by Rev. F. W. Hoffman, pastor of the First church at Tiffin, Ohio. 
In 1896 Rev. Yeisley came to Saint Paris as a student supply to the 
Tremont City charge, which he now serves and which includes three 
preaching stations. He has been eminently successful in his ministerial 
work here, as is shown by the fact that when he took charge of the 
church it numbered one hundred and thirty-seven members, but by 
indefatigable work he has increased the membership to nearly five hun- 
dred members, while in addition he has also greatly developed the finan- 
cial condition of the church, the property being now worth several 
thousand dollars more than when he took charge. He now has plans 
under way for the erection of a new church building at Saint Paris, 
which he hopes to carry out in the near future. 

Rev. Yeisley is identified with the Independent Order of Odd 
Fellows, Saint Paris Lodge, No. 246, and with its Rebekah auxiliary 
at Saint Paris. He is also a member of the Crystal Lodge of the 
Knights of Pythias at York, Pennsylvania, the Junior Order of United 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 85 

American Mechanics at Tremont City, Ohio, and the Daughters of Poca- 
hontas at Saint Paris. In Redmanship he is past sachem of Washeaugah 
Tribe of Saint Paris, and also chaplain general, with the rank of brigadier 
general, in the Red Men's League of Ohio. He is undoubtedly the 
best known speaker in the order, and has lectured extensively in nearly 
all of the states of the Union in the interest of the organization. He 
is now writing a book, which when published will be known as the 
"Popular History of Redmanship." In temperance work he has always 
evinced a commendable interest, working untiringly to minimize the 
evil of intemperance, which blights wherever its touch is laid. He is a 
member of the state executive committee of the Prohibition party in 
Ohio, also a member and secretary of the state central committee and 
chairman of the Champaign county committee. In this line of work he 
has lectured extensively throughout the country, and has also lectured 
in connection with the Women's Christian Temperance Union on "The 
Use and Abuse of Tobacco." He has written a book entitled "Tobacco 
and My Child." and has in course of preparation several other works- 
Throughout his life he has had an extensive acquaintance with the book 
publishing business, and before entering the ministry served as editor 
and manager of several papers in Pennsylvania. He is now the prin- 
cipal owner and manager of the Cornerstone Publishing Company, cap- 
italized at fifteen thousand dollars, which is operated under the laws 
of New Jersey. The company own and publish four papers, — The 
Reform Review, the Saint Paris Era-Dispatch, the Saint Paris News 
and the Corner Stone, the latter being the official organ of the Prohibi- 
tion party in Ohio. The company employ a working force of sixteen 
people. Rev. Yeisley is a forceful writer, keen and penetrating in his 
style, persistent and conservative in thought and has the courage of his 
convictions in whatever he champions. As a speaker he is concise and 
clear, nature having endowed him with the grace of oratory. His life 



86 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

has been a laborious one, he having labored for years under the disad- 
vantages of debt incurred to obtain an education, but by his persistence 
and enterprise he overcame all obstacles that obstructed his way and 
the future undoubtedly has in store for him still hi°her successes. 



ISAAC HALTERMAN 

The pioneer history of Champaign county has upon its roll the 
name of Isaac Halterman, who throughout his entire life has resided 
within its borders and is one of its oldest residents. He was born in 
Adams township, Champaign county, on the farm on which he now 
resides, May 7, 1825. His father, George Halterman, was born in Vir- 
ginia, in 1788, and was a son of Charles and Elizabeth (Huffman) Hal- 
terman. Charles Halterman was also a native of the Olid Dominion, a 
Whig in his political views and during the Revolutionary war served as 
a Hessian soldier. George Halterman, the father of our subject, was 
reared in the place of his nativity, but in 181 7 left his southern home 
for the Buckeye state, and about 1822 located on a portion of the farm 
which our subject still owns. The tract then consisted of seventy-eight 
acres, and this he cleared and improved. He gave his political support 
to the Democracy, and his death occurred on his old home farm the 17th 
of January, 187(1. Ere leaving the Old Dominion he was united in mar- 
riage to Elizabeth Rex road, a native also of Virginia, where she was 
reared and educated. Eight children were born unto that union, — 
Eleanor, Samuel, Isaac, Sarah, Jane, Marguerite and Lewis, twins, and 
Elizabeth. With the exception of the eldest, who was a native of \ 'ir- 
ginia, all were born on the old home farm in this county, and all are 
in >w living except the two eldest. 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 87 

Isaac Halterman, of this review, assumed control of the Halter- 
man homestead fifteen years before his father's death, during which time 
he cleared about twenty acres and added many valuable impri >\ ements 
to the farm. This has been his home throughout his entire life, and as 
prosperity has rewarded his well directed efforts he has added to its 
boundaries until it now contains one hundred and two acres of rich and 
productive land. By perseverance, industry, economy and good man- 
agement he has attained a position among the substantial agriculturists 
of the community, and his worth is widely acknowledged by those who 
are familiar with his honorable business methods. 

In the year 185 1 was ecelebrated the marriage of Mr. Halterman 
and Miss Sarah Jane Hall. She is a native of Adams township. Cham- 
paign county, where she was bom on the 31st of May, 1833, a daugh- 
ter of German and Ruth (Newcomb) Hall, early settlers of this county. 
and here they both died. Of their nine children Mrs. Halterman was the 
second in order of birth. She was called to her final rest on the 13th 
of December, 1899, leaving ten children. — Mary, Emily. Calra Ruth, 
George Riley, Marguerite Ann, Eliza Jane, Dora Elizaheth. Joseph 
Thomas, Ida Pearl. Charles E. and Shepherd Clyde, all born on the old 
home farm. The Democracy receives Mr. Halterman's hearty suppi rt 
and co-operation, fraternally he is a member of the Independent Order 
of Odd Fellows and the A. H. T., of Rosewood, and was formerly 
identified with the Grange. His religious preference is indicated by his 
membership in the Christian church, at Carysville. in which he is an 
active worker. 



ASA X. SCOTT. 

Asa X. Scott, a representative farmer and citizen of Johnson town- 
ship, Champaign county, was born in Adams township, this count}'. Au- 
gust 24, 1857. He was named for his paternal grandfather, who was a 



88 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

native of Trenton, New Jersey, born March 2, 1793. In that place 
the grandfather was reared and educated and he was also married in 
the east to Mary White and had a family of four children, when he 
came to Ohio, settling in Miami county, about 1830. Seven years later 
he came to Champaign county, where he cleared and developed a farm. 
Two of his children are now deceased, Harvey and James, the former 
having died in August. 1891, the surviving members of the family are 
Hannah B. and Jasper. The latter was the father of our subject. He be- 
came a well known farmer of Johnson township, where he successfully 
carried on the tilling of the soil for many years. He was born in Hunt- 
ington, New Jersey, February 25, 1825, and was about four years old 
when brought by his parents to Ohio, coming to Champaign county 
when a youth of eleven years. Here he was reared and educated, re- 
maining at home until thirty-three years of age, when he removed to 
Adams township, where he purchased two hundred and twenty-two acres 
of rich land. He cleared most of this and made his home thereon for fif- 
teen years when he returned to the old farm homestead in Johnson town- 
ship, purchasing the interest of the other heirs in the property. He de- 
voted his attention not only to raising of grain, but also carried on the 
raising of hue stock cmite extensively and conducted a dairy business. 
He married Cordelia Corey, who was born October 29, 1855, in Steuben 
county, New York, coming to Ohio with her parents when a young lady. 
The family located in Miami county, but she was living in Shelby county 
at the time of her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Scott became the parents of 
three children : Asa N., Emerson and Rosey, the two last mentioned 
being deceased. 

Asa N. Scott was a youth of fourteen years. when the family re- 
moved to the farm which is yet his home. In his youth he became fa- 
miliar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agri- 
culturist. He was married in Shelby county in 1882, to Jennie E. Flow- 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. So 

ers, who was born in Jackson township. Champaign county, September 
10, 1865, and there resided until she was four years of age, when she, 
with her people, removed to Shelby county, where she remained until 
her marriage. Her father, Charles Flowers, was a native of New Jersey, 
born in 1S22, and on removing westward took up his abode in Cham- 
paign county in 1S32, making his home in Jackson township, on what 
is known as the H. H. Bucourt farm. There he remained for some 
time, but afterward removed to Indiana, where he purchased land. When 
he again came to Ohio his father was dead and he bought the interest 
of the other heirs in the old home property. Later, however, he sold 
this and went to Miami county, and there again bought and sold a farm, 
his next place of residence being Shelby county, where he is now living. 
He was married in Champaign county to Lucy Wert, who was born 
and reared in Trenton, New jersey, and became a resident of Shelby- 
county when twenty-one years of age. In their family were four chil- 
dren : Mattie, Theodore, Sarah and Mrs. Scott, all born in Champaign 
county. 

After his marriage Mr. Scott removed with his bride to Adams 
township, locating upon a tract of one hundred and sixty acres of land 
belonging to his mother. There he remained for five years, clearing the 
land and making some good improvements thereon. He next came to 
his present farm in Johnson township and now has two hundred and 
fifty-eight and one-half acres of valuable land all under a high state 
of cultivation, while the father has one hundred and seventy-four acres 
of improved land. Mr. Scott is an enterprising agriculturist and the 
neat and thrifty appearance of his place is an indication of the diligence 
and energy which has ever characterized his career. The home of Mr. 
and Mrs. Scott has been blessed with two children : Harley Emerson, 
who was born in Adams township, April 30, 1883, and Jasper Leou. who 
was born in Johnson township, June 2^, 1890. 



-go CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

Mr. Scott is a member of the Knights of the Golden Eagle and 
also holds membership relations with the Independent Order of Odd bel- 
lows. Like his father, he is a Republican, unfaltering in his advocacy 
of the principles of the party, and is a public spirited man, deeply in- 
terested in everything pertaining to the welfare and progress of his com- 
munity. His entire life has been devoted to farming interests and he is 
well known and progressive agriculturist of his native county. 



THOMAS MALAXCTIIOX GAUMER. 

Back to patriot sires and model matrons Thomas Mai mcthon 
"Gaumer traced his descent, and justly cherished a pride of birth which 
begot potent purpose and unfaltering effort to maintain, and perchance 
exalt, through the mediums of medicine and journalism, an enviable an- 
cestral record. 

Thomas Malancthon Gaumer was burn in Adamsville, Ohio. Feb- 
ruary 2, 184R, a son of Jonathan and Mahala ( Barrett) Gaumer, a grand- 
son of Daniel Gaumer. and great-grandson of Jacob Gaumer. Jacob 
Gaumer was born- in Pennsylvania, and in his country's time of need 
left his farm and those dear to him and followed the martial fortunes of 
Washington from Fort Du Ouesne to Yorktown. In 1806 be removed 
from Pennsylvania to Muskingum county, Ohio, where his death oc- 
curred in 1824. Daniel Gaumer was also born in Pennsylvania, and emi- 
grated to Ohio in 1809, his death occurring in 1859. Jonathan Gaumer 
was born in Ohio, and devoted his entire life to agriculture, and his death 
occurred in 1859. To himself and wife were born the following children : 
'Thomas M. ; Charies X.. a prominent citizen and newspaper man of 
Mansfield, Ohio; Hannah J.; Rachel V. ; Daniel H., who is deceased; 
Mary; Martha: and Cidda. 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 91 

While still young in years Thomas Malancthon removed with his 
parents to a farm in Muskingum county, which continued to be his home 
until 1876. He was educated in the public schools and at Denison Uni- 
versity at Granville, and subsequently taught school for a number of 
years. Having determined to devote his life to the practice of medi- 
cine he entered the Ohio Medical College of Cincinnati, and graduated 
therefrom in 1876. The year previous he married Eliza M., daughter 
of Barton and Julia (Walker) Cone, and thus became allied with a 
family as meritorious as his own. Barton Cone was born in Monroe 
township, Muskingum county, Ohio, August 23, 1824, and was a son 
of Jared Cone, a pioneer of Muskingum county. Jared Cone, son of 
Tared, son of Mathew, son of Jared, son of Daniel, the latter of whom 
was born in Edinburg, Scotland, in 1626. Daniel Cone came to America 
with two brothers in 1660 and settled in Haddam, Connecticut, where 
he died in 1706. Mrs. Gaumer's paternal grandmother, Eliza (Schoff) 
Cone, was a daughter of Philip Schoff, one of the heroes of the Revo- 
lution. 

After his marriage and graduation Mr. Gaumer located in Wyan- 
dot county, Ohio, and after practicing medicine for a time removed to 
Adamsville, which continued to be his home until 1882. In the mean- 
time his aspirations had undergone a change, and he seems to have found 
less in his profession than he expected. At any rate, after weighing the 
chances, he decided in favor of journalism, and henceforward medical 
science knew him only as an erstwhile practitioner. After purchasing 
the Champaign Democrat, at Urbana, he edited and published the same 
for about a year, and then, in partnership with his brother, D. II. 
Gaumer, ran the Zanesville Signal, a daily paper. Upon disposing of 
his interest in the Signal in 1887, he re-purchased the Champaign Dem- 
ocrat, and from then until the time of his death, September 30, 1S93, 
his energies were devoted to making of this sheet a practical and inter- 



y2 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

esting news dispenser. He was a stanch Democrat, a keen observer of 
men and events, and had the faculty of finding out what the public 
wanted to know. His editorials evinced a world of common sense, and 
an intelligent understanding of all sides of prevailing public conditions. 
He was a member of the Lutheran church, and was fraternally associated 
with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His wife, who survives 
him, is the mother of three sons, Charles Edmund, Frank Cone and 
Bruce Barton. Charles Edmund is editor and owner of the Middletown 
(Ohio) Daily Signal, and inherits much of his father's ability as a news- 
paper man. The two younger sons and their mother own and pub- 
lish the Champaign Democrat, of which Frank C. is editor and manager. 
He is one of the most promising young journalists in Champaign county, 
and is exceedingly popular in social and business circles. He also is 
identified with the Odd Fellows. Mrs. Gaumer is a member of the 
Baptist church, and is a woman of fine personality, and sterling quali- 
ties of heart and mind. 

■* » » 

JACOB S. SARVER. 

As one reviews the history of the county and looks into the past to 
see who were prominent in its early development he will find that al- 
most throughout the entire century the name of Sarver has been closely 
conncted with the progress and advancement of this section of the state. 
The paternal grandfather of our subject, Jacob Sarver. was one of the 
first to take up his abode in Champaign county, and on his arrival here 
he located on the farm on which his son Jacob now resides. Here he 
cleared and improved two hundred and ten acres, and on this valuable 
homestead spent the remainder of his life. He was married in Vir- 
ginia to Xancv Robinson, who was born and reared in that common- 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 93 

wealth, and after her marriage made the journey with her husband to 
this state on horseback. On their way here they passed through the 
present city of Urban a, but it then contained but one log cabin, and wild 
was the region in which they settled. Six children were born unto this 
worthy couple, and with the exception of one all were born in Cham- 
paign county. 

Jacob Sarver, the father of him whose name introduces this re- 
view, was born on the farm on which he now resides in 1816, and here 
he has spent his entire life. He assisted his father in clearing and 
cultivating the land until the latter's death, after which he assumed 
entire charge of the place, and here he has since been engaged in farming 
and sheep-raising. He has ever been an active worker in the ranks of 
the Republican party, and on its ticket he has been elected to many of 
the township offices. He has been a member of the United Brethren 
church for many years and materially assisted in the erection of the 
church of that denomination at Salem. 

Jacob S. Sarver, the immediate subject of this review, is a native 
son of Harrison township. Champaign county, his birth here occurring 
on the 25th of June, 1847. He assisted in the work of the old home 
farm until twenty-one years of age. and for the following four or five 
years operated a thresher in this canity, during which time he still re- 
mained under the parental roof. For one year thereafter he remained on 
his father-in-law's farm in Concord township, and on the expiration of 
that period took up his abode on his present farm of eighty acre-, which 
he has since cleared and placed under an excellent state of cultivation, 
the many valuable improvements thereon standing as monuments to 
his thrift and ability. While attending to the many duties of his farm 
he has also foitnd time to devote to public affairs, and for eleven years 
served his township with efficiencv as a trustee, while in 1892 he was 
made a county commissioner, remaining an incumbent of thr.t important 



94 CEXTEXXIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

position for six years and nine months. The Republican party receives 
his active support and co-operation. 

In Concord township, Champaign county, Mr. Sarver was united 
in marriage to Enda Johnson, who was born, reared and educated in 
that township, and is a daughter of Levi Johnson. Five children, three 
sons and two daughters, have been born unto this union, namely: Will- 
iam J.; Ardella May, the wife of Duncan Russell, a prominent farmer 
of Adams township; Alvey B. ; Pearl; and Carry, the wife of William 
Madden, a. farmer near Urbana. All were born and reared in this county. 
In his social relations Mr. Sarver is a member of the Independent Order 
of Odd Fellows and the Rebekah order at Crayton, of the Red Men at 
Millerstown and of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics. 
The family are members of the Methodist church at Crayon, and Mr. 
Sarver was a member of its building committee. 



BENJAMIN M. MADDEN. 

Classed among the substantial and highly respected agriculturists of 
Champaign county is Benjamin M. Madden. He was born in Auglaize 
county, Ohio, August 4, 1854, and is a son of William Madden, a na- 
tive of Harrison county, Virginia. When a young man the latter came 
to Ohio, anil for the following two years worked in a still-house in 
Champaign county, receiving nine dollars a month in compensation tor 
his services, and for a similar period he was also employed by Governor 
Vance. In the latter position he did not receive any compensation for 
his services until the two years had expired. He next went to Auglaize 
county, ami thence came to Champaign county. Here he was united in 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 95 

marriage to Charity Moffitt, a native of the county and a daughter of 
Nathan Moffitt, one of the early pioneers of the locality. With his bride 
Mr. Madden returned to Auglaize county, where he cleared and improved 
a large farm, and there his wife died at the age of forty-two years. 
Cuming thence to Champaign county, he made his home on a farm here 
until his death, which occurred when he had reached the seventy-fourth 
milestone on the journey of life. His political support was given to the 
Democratic party. Two of his brothers also came to Champaign county 
from Virginia. 

Benjamin Madden, his parents' only child, was but four days old 
when his mother died, and he was reared by his aunt, Miss Hannah 
Moffit, who afterward became his father's wife. When a small child he 
was brought to Champaign county, and when the time came for him to 
assume the responsibilities of life he 1< cated on a farm in Salem town- 
ship, near where he now lives. As the years have passed by prosperity 
has rewarded his efforts and he is now the owner of three valuable farms, 
containing, in all, four hundred and sixty acres, ami there he is engaged 
in general farming and stock-raising. He is a thorough farmer and 
excellent financier, progressive in his methods and earnest in his desire 
to promote the well being of his neighbors and the community in general. 
In politics he is a true Democrat. 

In 1877 Mr. Madden was united in marriage to Jennie Hoagland, 
a daughter of Samuel and Emily Agnes (Walker) Hoagland. the 
former a native of Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, and the latter 
of Yellow Springs, Clark county. Ohio. Of the eleven children born to 
Mr. and Mrs. Hoagland, seven sons and four daughters, ten grew to 
years of maturity, and Mrs. Madden is the third child and eldest daugh- 
ter in order of birth. She was born and reared hi Clark county, Ohio, 
and by her marriage to Mr. Madden became the mother of five children, 
namely: Bessie, deceased; William H.. who married Carrie Sarver and 



96 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

resides in Champaign county; and Dessie H., Forest E. and Benjamin 
Grover, at home. The family are among the most honored residents 
of Champaign county. 



JONATHAN THATCHER, M. D. 

Both as an educator and as a medical practitioner has Dr. Jonathan 
Thatcher won distinction, and he enjoys an extensive and remunerative 
practice. He is progressive in all his methods, constantly reading and 
studying, and keeps in close touch with the spirit of the times. His 
paternal grandfather. Jonathan Thatcher, was what is known as a Ger- 
man Quaker, and his wife was also a member of that faith. Samuel 
Thatcher, the father of our subject, was a native of the Old Dominion, 
and was there reared in Berkeley county. When about twenty-one vears 
"I age he came to Greene county. Ohio, and in Greene. Champaign and 
Miami counties followed the teacher's profession, during a part of which 
time he taught in the i >li i sti me -<li< >i >1 hi >use located on the farm of James 
Reid, where the latter's sou. W'hitelaw. was enrolled among his pupils 
and where he and our subject were schoolmates. Throughout his active 
business career Mr. Thatcher's name was inseparably interwoven with 
the histor) of the educational interests of the Buckeye state. I lis broad 
intelligence, scholarly attainments and full appreciation of the value of 
knowledge as a preparation for life's responsibilities made him an able 
educator, and he stood in the front rank of his profession. He was a 
valued member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he long 
-crved as a steward and class leader, and until the Douglas campaign 
e his political support to the Democracy, after which he upheld the 
principles of the Republican party. His life's labors were ended in 
death when he reached the fifty-ninth milestone on the journey of life. 




/a^a 



7/Cu*^ s^<z^^ J*l . & &*^ 0, 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 99 

As .1 companion on the journey of life Mr. Thatcher chose Miss 
Emily Beach., a native daughter of the Buckeye state, her birth having 
probably occurred in Ross county. Her lather, who was a sailor by pro- 
fession, was lost at sea, and her mother was killed by lightning. Seven 
children were born unto the union of Mr. and Mrs. Thatcher, five sons 
and two daughters, namely: Martena, deceased; Jonathan, of this re- 
view; Matilda, deceased; George W., who laid down bis life on -the altar 
of his country; Samuel B., who is employed as overseer of a landed es- 
tate of about eighteen hundred acres in Iosco county, Michigan, and 
who also served as engineer of public roads in the northern peninsula of 
that state; John S.. a farmer of Charlevoix county, Michigan, and his 
twin brother died in infancy. 

Jonathan Thatcher, of this review, was born in Piqua, Miami 
county, Ohio, November 6, 1840. and in his youth removed with the 
family to Greene county, this state, where he received his mental training 
under his father's able direction. Later he became a student in the high 
school of Cedarviile, Greene county, in which he was graduated in 1857, 
and immediately afterward began pedagogic work, his first school having 
been at YVestville, Ohio, in which he taught during the winter of 1857-8. 
When the tocsin of war sounded and men from all parts of the country 
took up arms in defense of the cause Mr. Thatcher nobly put aside all 
personal considerations and in 1861 enlisted in Company K. Fifty-third 
Ohio Volunteer Infantry, but after one year spent as a defender of the 
stars and stripes was discharged on account of disability. The Thatcher 
family were well represented in that struggle, nine of its members hav- 
ing enlisted, and but one of the number was killed. Three of our sub- 
ject's brothers served their country from 1861 until the close of the con- 
flict in 1S65. 

After the close of the war Dr. Thatcher came to Champaign county, 
where he again took up the profession of teaching, and at the same time 



L.ofC. 



ioo CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

resumed the study of medicine, which he had begun prior to leaving 
for the army, following the dual occupation until 1863. In that year 
he entered the Physicians and Physio-Medical College of Cincinnati, 
graduating in that institution in 1864, and for the following six months 
followed the practice of his chosen profession in Donnelsville, Clark 
county, Ohio, while for the succeeding thirteen years he was a 
medical practitioner at Miami City. Since that time he has been a 
member of the profession in Champaign county, where he now enjoys 
an extensive and lucrative practice. During the twenty-six years which 
mark the period of his residence in the county he has been numbered 
among the talented members of the profession, and during that time has 
done much to elevate the standard of medical excellence therein. He was 
formerly a member of the West End Medical Society and of the Miami 
County Medical Society. In his fraternal relations he is a member of 
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Saint Paris and of the encamp- 
ment at Christiansbuig. For thirty-five years he has been a local 
minister in the Methodist Episcopal church, and is now serving as a 
steward and trustee therein, the cause of Christianity ever finding in him 
a firm friend and zealous worker. 

On the 20th of August, 1863, Dr. Thatcher was united in mar- 
riage to Sarah Jane Hall, who was born in Champaign county, May 9, 
1840, a daughter of John and Sarah (Clark) Hall. The father was a 
native of Virginia, but before reaching his twenty-first year came to 
this county, and here his death occurred at the age of eighty years. His 
wife came to the county in her girlhood. The former was of Welsh and 
the latter of German descent. Of their twelve children Mrs. Thatcher 
is the only daughter now living, but she has one brother, Captain Fleni- 
mon Hall, a retired farmer near Murfreesboro, Tennessee. During the 
Civil war he served for two years as a member of the Ninety-ninth Ohio 
Volunteer Infantry, and was captain of his company. Another brother, 



CEXTEXXIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 101 

John W. Hall, served as a defender of the starry banner from 1861 until 
1864. and he was then called upon to sacrifice his life in his country'.* 
cause. Four children have graced the union of our subject and wife, 
namely: Alva C, who follows agricultural pursuits, and he was united 
in marriage to Cora Kiser, the only daughter of D. Kiser, of Concord 
township. Champaign county; Mary Pearl, the wife of William W. 
Offenbacher, a merchant of Westville. Ohio; Bessie G.. the wife of F. 
R. Found, a stockholder in and foreman of the "Famous Overall" factory 
at Urbana ; and Lloyd, who is engaged in the drug business and is still 
at home with his parents. The Doctor has one of the .most beautiful 
homes in Champaign county, it being a large brick residence located two 
and a half miles east of Saint Paris, on the Urbana and Saint Paris 
pike road. It is modern in all its appointments, and has telephone con- 
nections with the surrounding towns. Public-spirited and progressive 
in all his ideas. Dr. Thatcher lends his influence to all measures which 
he believes useful to the majority and is at all times an earnest and 
patriotic citizen. 



WILLIAM THOMPSON. 

A most exemplary citizen and an honored hero of the late war of 
the Rebellion is William Thompson, of Wayne township. Champaign 
county. During his arm)- carer he was always found true to the duties 
imposed upon him and won the confidence and high regard of his com- 
rades and superior officers, while in business life and social relations he 
has ever manifested the same justice, integrity and reliability and none 
know him but to wish him well. 

William Thompson is a native of this locality, his birth having 
here occurred on the 4th of March, 1841. His father, Abraham Thomp- 



io2 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

son, was born in Brown county. Ohio, and there married to Susan Mid- 
dleton, also a native of that locality. After his marriage he located 
with his bride on a farm in Wayne township, Champaign county, and 
there his death occurred when he had reached the age of forty-five years, 
leaving his widow with a family of eight children, five sons and three 
daughters, to support, the eldest child being then sixteen years of age, 
while the youngest was but six months old, and their landed possessions 
then consisted of but six acres. William, of this review, was the fifth 
child and third son in order of birth, and he was about nine years of 
age when his father died. When a small boy he began assisting his 
mother in the care of the home farm, and remained under the parental 
roof until the inauguration of the Civil war, when, in 1861, he became 
a member of Company A, Sixty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Two 
years later he re-enlisted in the same company and regiment, in which 
he served until the close of the struggle, and during his military career 
took part in many of the important battles of the war, including those 
of Port Royal, Channel, Gun Town, Tarleton, Gettysburg. Lookout 
Mountain, Missionarv Ridge, Ringgold, Cedar Mountain. Slaughter 
Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, the siege of Atlanta and with General 
Sherman to the sea. Although he was never wounded he was confined in 
a hospital for a time, but during the most of his army career was in active 
service. After participating in the grand review at Washington, D. 
C, he was honorably discharged in June. 1865. 

Returning thence to his native county, Mr. Thompson resumed the 
quiet and peaceful duties of the farm. After his marriage he located 
on the farm on which he now resides. On the 6th of 'April, 1864, he 
was united in marriage to Catherine Morgan, a native of Coshocton 
county, Ohio, and a daughter of John and Sarah ( Foster) Morgan, 
the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Ireland. When eleven 
years of age the mother came with her parents to America. Four 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 103 

children have blessed the union of our subject and wife, but one, Will- 
iam, is deceased. Edward married Flora Turpie, a native of North 
Lewisburg, Champaign county, and a daughter of James and Mary 
( West ) Turpie. Mattie is the wife of Lank Worthington, of Plain City, 
Madison county, Ohio. Sallie is the wife of Joseph Clark, of Macks- 
ville. Kansas. Mr. Thompson is a member of the Grand Army Post, 
in which he holds pleasant relations with his old army conrades of the 
blue, and he is a member of the committee appointed to look after the 
wants of the old soldiers. His political support is given to the Republican 
party, and on its ticket he was elected to the office of constable for many 
years. His first presidential vote was cast for Abraham Lincoln in 1864, 
in Tennessee, and he has ever since remained a loyal supporter of Re- 
publican principles. 



MARTIN M. DICKINSON. 

For many years an honored and highly respected citizen of Cham- 
paign county, the name of M. M. Dickinson is well deserving a place 
in a volume which contains the works of the county's most substantial 
business man. Throughout his career he made an untarnished record 
and unspotted reputation in industrial circles, and in all places and under 
all circumstances he was loyal to truth, honor and the right. 

Mr. Dickinson was born in Logan county, Ohio, February 20, 1820. 
His father, Thomas Dickinson, was born near the line which separates 
the states of Virginia and Pennsylvania, but in a very early day 
removed to Logan county, Ohio, locating on a farm in the dense woods. 
His death there occurred in his ninety-first year. He was reared in the 
(Juaker faith. The mother of our subject, who bore the maiden name of 
Maria Lowe, was a native of Virginia, and she was called to her final rest 



io4 CEXTEXXIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

at the age of seventy-five years. Their son and the subject of this review, 
was born in the little log cabin in which the family first settled on coming 
to Logan county, and the primitive schools of the neighborhood he re- 
ceived his early education. In his youth he learned the blacksmith's trade, 
and sixteen years followed that occupation as a means of livelihood, a part 
of that time having been located at Zanesneld. In 1861 he came to Cham- 
paign county, securing a farm in Salem township, and during the re- 
mainder of his life time there followed agricultural pursuits. His career 
was ended by death on the 10th of December, 1900, in his eighty-first 
year, he being born February 20, 1820, and he passed away in the faith 
of the Presbyterian church, of which he was a worthy and consistent 
member. His was a long, active, useful and honorable life, and his name 
is indelibly inscribed on the pages of Champaign county's history. In 
political matters he gave a stanch and unswerving support to the prin- 
ciples of the Republican party. 

As a companion on the journey of life Mr. Dickinson chose Mar- 
garet Rea, and she was born in what is now East Liberty, Ohio. Octo- 
ber 6, 1S20. Her father, Robert Rea, was a native of the Old Dominion, 
but in boyhood was taken to Logan county, Ohio. After his marriage he 
located on a farm on Mill creek, where he followed the tilling of the soil 
until his life's labors were ended in death, when he had reached his eighty- 
second year. He. too. was a member of the Quaker faith. His wife. 
formerly Polly Grubbs, came from Virginia, her native place, to Logan 
•county, Ohio, in her girlhood, and her death occurred at the age of fifty- 
one years, passing away in the faith of the Baptist church. Unto this 
worthy couple were born ten children, five sons and five daughters, of 
whom Mrs. Dickinson was the eldest in order of birth, and she was 
reared in Logan county. On the 6th of November, 1841, she gave her 
hand in marriage to M. M. Dickinson, and they became the parents of 
live children, namely: Samantha, the wife of Charles Fox, of Wayne 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 105 

township, who has four children. Vause, Martin, Ralph and Bessie; 
Louisa, the deceased wife of William Madden, by whom she had three 
children, Frederick, Nathaniel and Alary ; Adelia. the wife of James Yi >re, 
who has four sons, two, Richard B. and Lewis, by a former marriage, 
and two by the second union, Burnett and [Martin; Ray, who is married 
and has three children, Sylvester, Nettie and Louisa; and Cora V., the 
wife of Ora A. Garard, who has seven children. Margaret, Fay, Vir- 
ginia, Estella, Louise, John Ralph and Alpha. Mrs. Dickins n resides 
at her pleasant home in Salem township, where she owns one hundred 
and thirty acres of rich and productive land, the cultivation of which is 
earned on by her grandson. She is a worthy member of the Presbyterian 
church. 



JACOB DAGGER. 

The Dagger family is one of the oldest in Champaign county and has 
been noted for many years for the sterling straits that are so character- 
istic of the subject of this sketch. Thev were among the first to locate in 
Concord township, this county, and there Jacob Dagger was born on the 
2d of November, 1856. His father, Charles Dagger, was also born and 
reared in that township, and his sketch will be found elsewhere in this 
volume. Jacob, the fourth child and second son in his parents* family 
of ten children, was early inured to the labors of the farm, assisting bis 
father in the cultivation of the home place during the summer months, 
while in the winter seasons he attended the district schools of the neigh- 
borhood. In 1 89 1 he took up his abode in Wayne township, and after 
his arrival here purchased his present farm of two hundred acres. He has 
been identified with agricultural pursuits from his youth up and has made 
a success of his enterprises in this line. He has greatly improved his 



106 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

place, and his is now one of the valuable homesteads of the township. 
At the present time he is the candidate for the nomination for county 
commissioner on the Republican ticket. In his social relations he is a 
member of the Golden Eagle and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows 
at Cable, of the encampment at Woodstock; of the Junior Order of Amer- 
ican Mechanics at Urbana, Mad River Council, No. 56, of the Patrons of 
Husbandry Grange at Reynolds. He is also a member of the Baptist 
church at Kings Creek, in which he has served as trustee. 

In October, 18S2, Mr. Dagger was united in marriage to Miss Ida 
Norman, a native of Johnson township, Champaign county, Ohio. Her 
mother died when she was a child, and her death occurred May 7, 1897, 
leaving three sons. Lawrence E., Golden N. and Roily D., all at home. 
Since attaining to years of maturity Mr. Dagger has given an active sup- 
port to the principles of the Republican party, and has ever taken an 
active interest in the welfare and development of his locality. He is 
broad in his views and liberal in his judgments, strong in his convictions 
and earnest in his opinions, but he has a social disposition, courteous and 
genial manner, and throughout the county in which his entire life has 
been passed he has a host of warm friends. 



ANDREWS WILSON. 

The name of Andrews Wilson is enduringly inscribed on the pages 
of Ohio's history in connection with her honored pioneers. He was 
born in Urbana township, Champaign county. December 3, 18x3. His 
lather, William Wilson, was a native of county Tyrone, Ireland, born 
September 25, 1780, and when sixteen years of age came with his parents, 
James and Rebecca Wilson, to this country, the voyage consuming six 




d^ihMP t3 Whum 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 109 

weeks. They, too, were natives of the green isle of Erin, and were the 
parents of five children, three sons and two daughters, and all were born 
in Ireland. After their arrival in this country the family first located in 
Virginia, thence to Clark county, Ohio, there remaining until 1808, when 
they took up their abode in Harrison township, Champaign county, one 
and a half miles west of our subject's present place of residence. They 
afterward spent three years in Urbana township. 

William Wilson, the father of our subject, accompanied his parents 
on their various removals, and from the age of fourteen years fought the 
stern battle of life for himself. His death occurrel in Harrison township, 
Champaign county, on the nth of November, 1836. He was married in 
Greenbrier county, Virginia, to Rebecca Humphrey, a native of Ireland. 
When she was but two years of age she was brought by her parents to 
the United States, the family locating in Virginia, where she was reared 
and married. Unto this worthy couple were born eight children : Mary, 
James, Andrews, William, Margaret, John R., Adams and Rebecca. 
With the exception of the eldest daughter all were born in Champaign 
county, Ohio, and all are now deceased but our subject and his brother 
William. 

When but three years of age Andrews Wilson was brought to the 
farm on which he now resides, and when about sixteen years of age he 
accompanied the family on their removal to another farm in the same 
township, but on account of the impure water there they returned to this 
place. The original boundaries of the farm have been increased until the 
tract now contains one hundred and fifty-seven acres, all of which is 
under an excellent state of cultivation and adorned with substantial and 
valuable improvements. When the family first located here the Indians 
would camp near their home, and at one time an Indian and British 
attack was expected, but it was afterward learned that the rumor was 
without foundation. Fur three generations, including the grandfather, 



no CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

father and subject, thev have supported the principles of the Republican 
party, but the latter"s first presidential vote was cast for Harrison in 
1840. He has served his township as trustee, and has ever been active 
in all measures and movements intended for the general good. 

The marriage of Mr. Wilson was celebrated in 1846, when Miss 
Elizabeth Jane Wright became his wife. She is a native of the Old 
Dominion, as were also her mother and father. Unto this union have 
been born the following children : Sarah Jane, Virginia, Hamilton. 
Selestine, Martha, Mary Ann, Benjamin, Harry anil Ellen, all born on 
the old homestead in Champaign county ; one child, named Charles 
Franklin, died in infancy, and two of the others, Selestine and Ellen, are 
now also deceased. The family are members of the Presbyterian and 
Methodist Episcopal churches. Mr. Wilson is now the oldest native born 
resident of Champaign county. In all the relations of life he has ever 
been faithful and true, and in his life work no shadow of wrong and 
suspicion of evil doing darkens his honored pathway. 



BENJAMIN F. MILLER. 

Honored and respected by all, Benjamin F. Miller has for many 
years been identified with the agricultural interests of Champaign county. 
He was born in Salem township, this county, on the 8th of August. 1852. 
His father, Joseph Miller, traced his nativity to the Old Dominion, his 
birth there occurring in Page county, but when a young man he made 
the journey to Champaign county, Ohio, on horseback, and here his 
death occurred on the 9th of December, 1902, at the age of seventy-eight 
years. He drove the last spike on the Sandusky division of the Big 
Four Railroad. He was a leading member of the Baptist church, in 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. i.u 

which lie was an active worker and liberal contributor, and for many 
years served his church as a deacon. He was one of the promoters of 
the Kings Creek church. He was descended from a prominent old Vir- 
ginia family, and his father, Henry Miller, who was of German descent, 
was there called to his final rest. The mother of our subject bore the 
maiden name of Fannie Herr, and she claimed Pennsylvania as the state 
of her nativity. When a child she came with her parents to Ohio, and 
now lives on the old state road in Salem township. 

Benjamin F. Miller, the eldest of his parents' nine children, received 
his elementary education in the common schools of his neighborhood, 
afterward attended the high school at Urbana and also took a business 
course in the A. DeWitt Business College, of Dayton, Ohio. He began 
his business life in Union county, Ohio, near Milford Center, where for 
eleven years he was engaged in the tilling of the soil, and on the expira- 
tion of that period came to the farm on which he now resides. His home- 
stead consists of one hundred and thirty-seven acres of rich and fertile 
land, where he is engaged in general farming and stock-raising. In 
1892 he erected the beautiful and commodious residence which now 
adorns his place, and this is one of the finest homes in the locality. 

On the 13th of January, 1881, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. 
Miller and Miss Mary G. Mcllroy. She was born in Rush township, 
Champaign county, Ohio, August 17. 1857. and is a daughter of John 
and Clariet 1 Kimball ) Mcllroy. Her parents died before she was ten 
years old, and she was reared by her maternal grandfather, T. M. Kim- 
ball, in Champaign county, where she received a common-school edu- 
cation, and also attended the Normal schools of Lebanon and Urbana f< >r 
a short time. She then taught school four years in Iowa and Ohio pre- 
vious to her marriage. One daughter. Lois Marie, born June (\ 1885, 
is now attending the high school at Urbana and expects to graduate next 
spring. Mr. Miller is a stanch Republican in his political views, and re- 



ii2 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

ligiously is a member of the Baptist church at Kings Creek, in which he 
has served as a clerk for a number of years. Mrs. Miller and her daugh- 
ter, Lois Marie, became members of the Christian Catholic church located 
at Zion City, Illinois, the former on April 7, 1899, and the daughter 
October 18, 1899. From an early day representatives of the Miller 
family have been among the leading citizens of Champaign county, and 
he of whom we write shows the same generous spirit of hospitality and 
progressiveness which has characterized the ancestral line. 



WILLIAM BLOSE. 



The subject of this sketch is numbered among the representative 
farmers of Mad River township, where he has passed the entire period 
of his life, being a member of one of the pioneer families of Cham- 
paign county, with whose history the name has been inseparably and 
honorably identified from the early days when was inaugurated the work 
of reclaiming the heavily timbered land for cultivation. 

Mr. Blose was born in this township, on the 28th of September, 
1845, being a son of Lewis Blose, who likewise was born in this town- 
ship, in the year 1819, and was here reared and educated, passing his 
entire life in this township and devoting his attention to the noble art 
of agriculture from his youth up. He died at the age of sixty years, 
honored by aJl who knew him and recognized as one of the influential 
men of the community. In politics he was originally a AMiig- and 
later a Republican. He was a son of John Blose, who was born in 
Virginia, whence he emigrated to Ohio and became one of the early 
settlers in Champaign county, locating in the virgin forests of Mad 
River township and here passing the residue of his life, his death oc- 




c46^fJ*n^sv^ CO^r^c 




WILLIAM BLOSE. 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 115 

curring when he was about sixty years of age. The maiden name of 
our subject's mother was Elizabeth Anderson, and she likewise was 
born in Mad River township, where her father, John Anderson, was 
one of the early settlers. She died at the age of seventy years. Her 
father was a native of Virginia, whence he came to Clark county, Ohio, 
where he remained for a time and then came to Champaign county, 
where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death. Lewis 
and Elizabeth Blose became the parents of seven children, all of whom 
attained years of maturity, their names, in order of birth, being as 
follows: Margaret is deceased: William is the subject of this sketch: 
Mary C. is the widow of George Mauk and lives in Urbana township; 
John is a resident of Urbana township; Louisa is the wflFe of Lewis 
Cook, of Mad River township ; Susan is the widow of Percival Kiser 
and is a resident of Tremont City, Clark county ; and Emery T. is de- 
ceased. 

William Blose grew up on the parental farmstead in Mad River 
township and in the district schools he received his early educational 
training. After his marrage, in 1866, Mr. Blose located on a farm 
in Urbana township, where he remained for a period of six years, after 
which, in 1872, he purchased a portion of his present homestead and 
has here maintained his residence since that time, the farm comprising 
one hundred and sixteen acres, in section 11, and being well improved 
and under an excellent state of cultivation. Our subject also devotes 
considerable attention to the raising of high-grade live stock, and his 
place is one which shows the evidences of the energy and progressive 
methods which have been brought to bear in its management. In poli- 
tics Mr. Blose is Democratic in his views, but in local affairs casts 
his vote in support of the men he considers most eligible rather than 
being inflexibly partisan in the exercise of his franchise. Fraternally 
he is identified with Urbana Lodge, No. 46. I. O. O. F., and with 



lib CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

Magrew Lodge, No. 433, Knights of Pythias, of which he is a charter 
member, at Westville. 

On the 29th of November, i860, Mr. Blose was united in mar- 
riage to Miss Missouri Bechtel, who was born in Clark county, the 
daughter of Samuel and Christena (Sagers) Bechtel, both of whom 
were of German descent. To our subject and his wife have been born 
three children, namely: Minnie, who is deceased: Zella. who also is 
deceased: and Dollie, who is the wife of Henry L. Slager. manager of 
the Springfield Elastic Tread O impany, manufacturers of rubber shoe- 
heels, of Springfield, Clark county. 



AUGUSTUS M. ZIEGLER, M. D. 

For many years Augustus M. Ziegler has been numbered among 
the leading physicians of Mingo, and is well deserving of a place in a 
volume which contains the histories of Champaign county's most sub- 
stantial business men. On the paternal side the family is of German 
descent, and from that country they made the journey to the new world 
with William Penn, locating in Pennsylvania. John Ziegler, the grand- 
father of our subject, was born in that commonwealth, and his son, 
Jeremiah Ziegler. was born in Perry county, Ohio. The latter was a 
shoemaker by trade, and followed that occupation throughout his entire 
business career as a means of livelihood. His death occurred in Mus- 
kingum county, this state, on the 25th of February, 188 1. when he 
had reached the age of seventy-two years. For his first wife he chose 
a Miss Overdear, who bore him two daughters and a son, — Amelia, the 
wife of Charles Dutoit, of Columbus; Josephine, the wife of Joseph 
Bugh, of Fultonham, Ohio ; and John, who died in Champaign county, 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 117 

Ohio. After her death he married Elizabeth Cullum, who was born in 
Baltimore, Maryland, but when fourteen years of age came with her 
parents to Muskingum county, Ohio. Her father, John Cullum, was 
also a native of Baltimore, Maryland, and was of Scotch descent. He 
was a miller by occupation, and prior to the Civil war owned many 
slaves. Mrs. Ziegler's death occurred in her seventy-seventh year. By 
her first marriage, to George Porter, she became the mother of two 
children, a son and a daughter, but the former died in infancy. The 
daughter, Olevia, is the wife of Henry Bugh, of Fultonham, Ohio. By 
her marriage to Mr. Ziegler seven children were born, five sons and 
two daughters, namely: Augustus M.. of this review; Henry, a civil 
engineer at Fultonham, Ohio; George, a prominent farmer of Champaign 
county; Harry, a physician of Flat Rock, Illinois; Perry, a druggist of 
Columbus, Ohio : Mary, who died in infancy : and Harriet, who died on 
the 6th of December, 1891, when twenty-six years of age. 

Augustus M. Ziegler, whose name introduces this review, was born 
in Fultonham, Muskingum county. Ohio, November 8, 185 1, and to the 
pioneer school of that town he is indebted for the educational privileges 
which he received in his youth. After completing his education he again 
entered the schoolroom as an instruct >r, spending the first year in the 
schools of his native towi;. For the following two years he taught in 
the schools of Xew Comerstown. Ohio, while the succeeding year was 
spent as an instructor in Adamsville, Ohio, after which he returned to 
Fultonham. After remaining one year in his native city he taught in 
a school west of West Liberty. While following the teacher's profes- 
sion he decided to make the practice of medicine his life work, and 
accordingly in 1876 entered the office of Dr. YanAtta. of Fultonham, 
and three years later, in 1S79, entered the medical college of Columbus. 
He afterward matriculated in the Starling Medical College, in which 
he was graduated on the 25th of February, 1881. and from that year 



1 1 S CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

until 1883 was engaged in the practice of his chosen profession at Kings 
Creek, Champaign county. In the latter year he located for practice in 
Urbana, where he remained until the fall of 1885, an< ^ smce that time he 
has been numbered among the leading practitioners of MingO, where 
he has built up a large and lucrative patronage. In addition to his large 
general practice he is examining physician for a number of insurance 
companies, and for fifteen years has been notary public. In his social 
relations he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, 
North I.ewisburg Lodge, No. 546, and of the Masonic fraternity at 
the same place, Blazing Star blue lodge and Star Chapter. 

In 1883 Dr. Ziegler was united in marriage to Mary Winters, the 
widow of David Winters and a daughter of John F. Rettberg, of Kings 
Creek. Four children have been born unto this union : Vaughan, born 
April 7, 1885; Naomi, born March 7. 1S90; Ruth, born February 16, 
1895; and John, born April 14, 1898. Dr. Ziegler gives a stanch sup- 
port to the Republican party, and in all the varied relations of life he 
has been honorable, sincere and trustworthy, winning the praise and 
admiration of all with whom he has been associated. 



JACOB HORR. 

An enterprise in Mechanicsburg which represents in its rapid 
growth a vast amount of well directed energy and pronounced business 
sagacity is the lumber and coal business of Jacob Horr, one of the well 
known citizens of the town. Owing to his honest and careful methods 
of dealing with the general public Mr. Horr finds himself the recipient 
of a patronage gratifying from both a personal and financial standpoint, 
and a continued demand fur his necessary commodities is a prediction 





O-^-^ 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 121 

justified by the success of the past. So nearly were his first business 
expectations realized that in 1889 he broadened his interests to the extent 
of operating a well equipped saw and planing mill, and the combination 
thus effected has materially augmented the output of the yards. 

With the exception of temporary absences. Mr. Horr has spent his 
entire life within the radius of his present surroundings, and he was 
born not far from Mechanicsburg, March 13, 1844. His parents, Will- 
iam and Mary (Coan) Horr, were born in Carthage, Jefferson county, 
New York, in which city thev were married, and from there removed to 
Goshen township, this county, in 1837. As early pioneers of their lo- 
cality they contributed much to the agricultural prosperity, and their 
well tilled farm continued to be their home for the remainder of their 
lives. Not the least meritorious of their many claims to the consid- 
eration of the coniimunity was the rearing to lives c f usefulness of seven 
children, two of whom are now deceased. The children were taught 
the dignity and utility of a model farming existence, and educationally 
were permitted every advantage at the disposal of their parents. With 
his brothers and sisters Jacob Horr attended the public schools of 
Mechanicsburg, and further qualified for the future by taking a course 
in the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, from which he graduated 
in the spring of 1866. His career at the university was interrupted in 
the spring of 18G4. at which time he enlisted in Company C, One Hun- 
dred and Thirty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with the rank of cor- 
poral, and served until October of the same year. Although not a long 
service, he gained a fair knowledge of the horrors of war, and of the 
character of that grand and silent soldier, Grant, with whom he fought 
at and around Petersburg. Since the war he has been a member of the 
Stephen Baxter Post, No. 88, Grand Army of the Republic. 

After completing his education Mr. Horr taught school for about 
four vears, and then turned his attention to fanning in the vicinity of 



122 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

Mechanicsburg until 1886. During that year he saw an opening for 
a live business in coal and lumber, and wisely devoted his energies to 
the building up of his present lucrative industry. A large measure of 
success he attributes to the assistance of his wife and helpmate, who was 
formerly Sarah Magruder. and whom he married in Mechanicsburg in 
1S71. Of this union there is one daughter, Xellie, who is now the wife 
of John B. Outram, of Lippincott. Ohio. Mr. Horr is a Republican in 
national politics, but has never desired or accepted official recognition. 
He is a member of and generous contributor to the Methodist Episcopal 
church. The farming and stock-raising enterprises to which he devoted 
several years of his life are still maintained on a large scale, but in other 
respects he is identified with the energetic and resourceful life of the 
town which has benefited to no slight degree by his admirable citizenship. 



thomas Mccarty. 

One of the straightforward, energetic and successful agriculturists 
of Champaign county is Thomas McCarty. whose birth occurred in 
Rush township, this county. September 5, [849. His father, James Mc- 
Carty, was a native of Virginia, but became one o<f the early pioneers of 
Rush township, Champaign county, where he followed the tilling of the 
soil until his life's labors were ended by death, in Wayne township, when 
he had reached the age of sixty-nine years. He married Sarah Ann 
Lease, a native of Virginia, and they became the parents of four children, 
two sons and two daughters. Thomas. John, Elizabeth and Deborah. 
John by accident died when eight years of age. 

Sarah Ann ( Lease ) McCarty, soon after the birth of Deborah, her 
fourth child, passed away, nearly fifty years ago. James McCarty then 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 123 

married Nancy Johnson, by whom he had six children, three now living, 
two boys, George W. and William M., and Augusta, all of whom are 
married and settled in life. 

Thomas McCarty, the eldest son and second child in the above fam- 
ily, was about four yeafs of age when he was: taken to Auglaize county. 
Ohio, there remaining for the following sixteen years, and since 1866 
has made Ins home in Wayne township. Champaign county. In 1871 he 
was united in marriage to Airs. Martha J. (Kimball) Chatfield. She 
was born three miles south of Woodstock, Rush township. Champaign 
county, May 15, 1843. and was the widow of David H. Chatfield and the 
daughter of T. M. and Mary (Fullington) Kimball. Her father was 
born in Vermont, but when thirteen years of age came with his mother 
to near Milford Center, Ohio, the journey being made with ox teams, 
and they located in Rush township. He lived to the good old age of 
nearly ninety-two years, being born April 1. 1803, and his death occur- 
ring December 18, 1894, in Champaign county, where he had located 
in a very early day. He gave his support to the Whig party in early life, 
but after the organization of the Republican party joined its ranks and 
on its ticket was elected justice of the peace, which office lie held for a 
number of years. He was twice married, and by his second union, when 
Mary J. Chatfield Hunter became his wife, two children were born. By 
his first marriage he had twelve children, Mrs. McCarty being the sixth 
child and fifth daughter in order of birth. She was reared in her native 
township and there received her education in the common schools. By 
her first marriage, to David Chatfield. she became the mother of three 
children, but only one of the number is now living, William S., a farmer 
of Wayne toAvnship. The union of Mr. and Mrs. McCarty has been 
blessed with two children, — Eva. the wife of Lymon B. Wheeler, of 
Westerville. Franklin county. Ohio; and Susan May. who died at the 
age of three and a half years. 



i2 4 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

Mr. McCarty is now numbered among' the leading - and representa- 
tive farmers of the community, and in Wayne township he owns one 
hundred and ninety acres of rich and well improved land. His wife, 
Martha, lived upon this land since 1866, and her husband since 
his marriage. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist 
Protestant church, in which they are active and prominent workers, and 
Mr. McCarty is now superintendent of the Sunday-school at Jenkin's 
Chapel. 



NELSON B. JOHNSON. 

Throughout his entire life Nelson Boggs Johnson was numbered 
among the citizens of Wayne township, Champaign county. His birth 
here occurred in the parental home on the 1st of July, 1S10. His father, 
Jacob Johnson, was born in Maryland, July 27. 1766, while his mother 
was born in Pennsylvania, October 20, 1774. In 1S04 the father came 
to Champaign county, locating on the east fork of Kings creek, arid in 
the following year he took up his abode in Wayne township, they being 
the first white family to locate in the Mingo valley. There the father's 
life's labors were ended in death in 1845. His wife, nee Martha Boggs, 
died on the same farm in 1854. at the age of eighty-two years. Of their 
nine children Alford is the onlv one now living, and he resides in Mingo, 
Champaign county. 

Nelson B. Johnson, the eighth child in order 1 E birth, with his two 
brothers remained on the old home farm until he was fifty-eight years 
of age, engaged in farming and stock-raising, and at that time the place 
was divided, it then consisting of nineteen hundred acres. After his 
marriage our subject located on the farm on which his widow now re- 
sides, where he continued his farming and stock-raising interest. As 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 125 

the years passed by success abundantly rewarded his well directed 
efforts, and at his death he was the owner of twelve hundred and twenty- 
seven acres, a princely domain. He carried forward to successful com- 
pletion whatever he undertook, and his business methods were ever in 
strict conformity with the ethics of commercial life. He was also a 
strong temperance man, and throughout his entire life he never used 
tobacco in any form or never uttered a profane word. He passed away 
on the nth of August, 1895, at the age of eighty-five years, but in the 
hearts of his friends are enshrined many pleasant memories of him, and 
his influence for good remains with those who knew him. In early life 
he gave his political support to the Republican party, and afterward be- 
came a supporter of Greeley. 

On the 1 2th of May, 1868, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to 
Anna Eliza Gilbert, who was born in Harrison county, Virginia, Febru- 
ary 16, 1839. Her father, Amos Gilbert, was a native of Berks county, 
Pennsylvania, but when a young man he removed to Harrison county, 
West Virginia, and throughout his business career he was engaged both 
in farming and merchandising. His father, Amos Gilbert. Sr., was a 
native of England, but in early life he came to this country, and was 
here married to Latitia Canby. After a happy married life of only one 
year he was called to his final rest. Amos Gilbert, the father of Mrs. 
Johnson, was married in Harrison county, West Virginia, to Phoebe D. 
Wilson, who was there born, reared and educated, and they became the 
parents of eight children, four sons and four daughters, and four sons 
order of birth, was eight years of age when she came with her parents 
and two daughters are yet living. One daughter died at the age of 
thirteen years. Mrs. Johnson, the fourth child and third daughter in 
to Clinton county, Ohio-, and in 1849 srie accompanied the family on their 
removal to Champaign county. She received her education in the dis- 
trict schools and in the Urbana high school, and for twelve years there- 



126 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

after she was one of the county's successful and prominent teachers. It 
was her intention in early life to become a physician, and as a means to 
that end she began the study of medicine under the preceptorship of Dr. 
Butcher, after which she attended four courses of lectures at the Phila- 
delphia Woman's Medical College. By her marriage to Mr. Johnson she 
became the mother of three children, namely: Mary D., born September 
2, 1869; Rodney P., who died on the 22A of October, 1876; and Amos 
N., who was born April 9. 1877. With her daughter. Mary D., Mrs. 
Johnson now resides on a valuable farm in Wayne township, but it is 
her intention to remove to North Lewisburg, where she also owns prop- 
erty. The family occupy a very prominent position in social circles, and 
their home is justly celebrated for its charming hospitality. 



WARREN D. SIBLEY. 

For many years the list of the thoroughly public-spirited and enter- 
prising business men of Champaign county has included the Sibleys. 
The family was founded on American soil by the great-grandfather of 
our subject, Jonathan Sibley, who came from Saint Albans, England, on 
the Mayflower. Samuel Sibley, the grandfather, was born in Connecti- 
cut, but afterward removed to New Hampshire, from which state he 
served for three years in the Revolutionary war. 

Benjamin Dow Sibley, the father of him whose name introduces, 
this review, was born in Belknap county. Xew Hampshire, on the 7th of 
March. 1791. When twenty-eight years of age he drove an ox team 
from that state to the Darby Plains in Ohio, and for three years he was 
employed by Eli (iwvnn. one of the landowners and stock-raisers 
in Madison county, this state. He subsequently came to Rush township, 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 127 

Champaign county, where he purchased a portion of the land on which 
Woodstock now stands, and there cleared and improved a valuable farm. 
There he followed the tilling of the soil for thirty years, until his life's 
labors were ended in death, when he had reached the seventy-seventh 
milestone on the journey of life, passing away on his farm about two 
miles from Lewisburg. He was one of the public-spirited and influential 
citizens of the county, in which he held many public positions, and took 
an active part in the construction of the roads, of which he served as 
supervisor for several years. In the early days he was an intelligent and 
active supporter of Whig principles, and after the organization of the 
Republican party he joined its ranks, remaining loyal to its teachings 
during the remainder of his life. He was a valued member of the Uni- 
versalist church, and assisted in the erection of its first house of worship 
in Woodstock. 

Mr. Sibley was united in marriage to Lydia Hillard, a native of 
Stowe, Vermont. In her girlhood she came with her parents to Ohio 
and for several years she taught school in Union county, in the old town 
of Homer. She was born in 1798. and lived to the age of fifty-seven 
years. Her father, Richmond Hillard, came with ox teams to Ohio in 
a very early day, taking up his abode in Knox county. The marriage of 
Mr. and Mrs. Sibley was celebrated in Homer. Union county, in 183 1, 
and they became the parents of five children, two sons and three daugh- 
ters, namely: Maria, who became the wife of George W. Coates ami is 
now deceased; W. D.. the subject of this review: Richmond H., also de- 
ceased: Mary, who died at the age of fifteen years: and Adelaide, who 
died when only one year old. 

\\ . D. Sibley was born in what is now Woodsti ck, Rush township. 
Champaign county, on the 28th of October. 1823. and in the primitive 
log school house of that place he received his early education. When 
only seventeen years of age he began teaching in a scho 1 near Marys- 



128 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

ville, and for several years he devoted his time to that profession. In 
the spring of 1848 lie came with his father to the farm on which he now 
resides, the tract at that time consisting of ninety acres, and this was 
given him by his father. As the years have passed by he has added to 
his landed possessions until he is now the owner of four hundred and 
fifty acres of excellent land. Throughout the years of his manhood he 
has kept well informed on the interests concerning his state and nation, 
and is a: representative of the progressive and intelligent American 
farmer. He assisted in the organization of the Bank of North Lewis- 
burg, of which he served as president for twelve years, and is still one 
of its stockholders. The bank was organized with twelve stockholders, 
but there are now only five, they being Seth Clark, of Union county; 
John C. Thompson, who has been the cashier for twenty years ; Mrs. 
Johnson, and Robert Eason. 

On the 29th of October, 1850, Mr. Sibley was united in marriage 
to Sarah A. Clark, who was born in Connecticut, August 7, 1831, a 
daughter of Jeremiah and Lucretia (Ripley) Clark, who were among 
the first settlers of Woodstock. Mrs. Sibley was but seven years of age 
when she was brought by her parents to Ohio, the family locating in 
Clark county, where she remained until about fifteen years of age. She 
then accompanied the family on their removal to Woodstock, where she 
also taught school for a time. Death came to her on the 21st of August, 
1 901, after a happy married life of fifty years, they having celebrated 
their golden wedding anniversary on the 29th of October, 1900. Mr. 
and Mrs. Sibley became the parents of seven children, as follows: Flora, 
the wife of T. J. Corkery, a prominent attorney of Toledo, Ohio; Ida, 
at home; Mary D. married Charles G. Markley, a prominent business 
man of Madison county, Ohio, and now serving his second term as 
county commissioner; Benneal, the wife of Otis W. Beck, of Bowling 
Green, Wood county, Ohio; Glenn, who died when only a year and a half 



CEXTEXA'IAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 129 

old; Staler S., who married Claudia B. Jackson, and at her death she 
left two sons, Harry Dow and Philip Reed : and Stella, who was a twin 
of Staley S., and her death occurred at the age of twenty-six years. Mr. 
Sibley gives a stanch support to Republican principles, and in 187 1 he 
was elected to the office of county commissioner, in which he served for 
three years. He has also held the position of trustee, and for thirty-five 
years he was a school director, during which time he took an active part 
in the erection of the brick school house near his home. For fifty-two 
years he has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, 
and since his boyhood days he has held membership relations with the 
Universalist church at Woodstock. 



OLIVER TAYLOR. 



To indulge in fulsome encomium of a life which was eminently one 
of subjective modesty would be palpably incongruous, even though the 
record of good accomplished, of kindly deeds performed and of high 
relative precedence attained in connection with the practical activities of 
life might seem to justify the utterance of glowing eulogy. He, to whom 
this memoir is dedicated was a man who stood "four square to every wind 
that blows," who was possessed of marked business acumen and was 
vitally instinct with the deeper human sympathies, and yet who, during 
his long and useful life, signally avoided everything that smacked of dis- 
play or notoriety, — and in this spirit would the biographer wish to have 
his utterances construed. His was a sincere and earnest life and one that 
brought additional honor to a name that has been honored in connection 
with the annals of Champaign county from the early pioneer epoch, while 
the families represented in his agnatic and cognatic lines have been iden- 



130 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

tified with American history from the colonial period of the nation. 
Thus is intensified the consistency of here entering' memoir of the honored 
citizens of Champaign county whose name appears above and who here 
passed his entire life. 

Oliver Taylor was a native son cf Champaign county, having been 
born near Springhill, Harrison township, on the 7th of December, 1818. 
The ancestry traces back to the Old Dominion, where was cradled so 
much of our national history, and the lineage is of Scottish extraction, the 
original American ancestors having located in Virginia in the early 
colonial epoch. In that patrician old commonwealth was born John V. 
Taylor, the father of the subject of this memoir, and in 1804 he emigrated 
from his native state to Ohio and took up his residence in the primitive 
wilds of Champaign county, where the work of progress and develop- 
ment had as yet scarcely been inaugurated. Soon after his arrival in the 
Buckeye state he was united in marriage to Miss Jane Vance, a sister of 
Joseph Vance, one of the early governors of Ohio and for several 
terms a member of congress from this state. John V. and Jane (Vance) 
Taylor became the parents of eight children, of whom Oliver was the 
sixth in order of birth and the youngest son. The father rendered 
valiant service as a soldier in the war of 1812, being a member of the 
company commanded by his brother-in-law, Captain Joseph Vance, who 
afterward became governor of the state, as has already been noted. Mr. 
Taylor developed a fine farm estate in this county and was here exten- 
sively engaged in agricultural pursuits and in the raising of and dealing 
in live stock, in which line he attained a more than local reputation, 
driving his cattle through to the eastern markets, across the Alleghany 
mountains. He was a man who commanded the highest confidence and 
esteem of the people of the county and was known as one of its distinc- 
tively representative citizens. He served about fifteen years in the office 
of countv commissi mer and was an elder of the Presbyterian church, of 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 131 

which his wife likewise was a devoted member. He died on the 28th of 
January, 1858, at the age of seventy-three years, and his wife was sum- 
moned into eternal rest more than a decade later, passing away on the 
29th of January, 1869, at the venerable age of eighty-one years. 

Oliver Taylor, the immediate subject of this memoir, was reared 
on the old homestead farm, amid the scenes of the pioneer epoch, and 
early began to contribute his quota to the work of reclaiming and other- 
wise improving the paternal acres, while his educational advantages were 
such as were afforded in the typical log school house of the locality and 
period, the same being equipped with slab benches, puncheon floor, yawn- 
ing fireplace, etc., as were all of these primitive "backwoods colleges," 
from which have gone forth some of the most eminent men of our nation, 
as history amply records. Mr. Taylor continued to be identified with 
the cultivation of the homestead farm and the carrying on of the live 
stock business until the time of his marriage, which was solemnized in 
the year 1848, when he was united to Miss Catherine Caraway, who was 
born in Champaign county, on the 9th of November, 18 19, being the 
daughter of John Caraway. The latter was a native of Greenbrier 
county, Virginia (now West Virginia), whence he removed to Champaign 
county, Ohio, about the year 1802, settling in Urbana township as one of 
its early pioneers, and here his wife died in the year 1823. About two 
years later he removed to Concord township, where he developed an ex- 
cellent farm and where he continued to reside until his death, which oc- 
curred in i860. Oliver and Catherine (Caraway) Taylor became the 
parents of three children, namely : John C. who died in infancy ; Duncan 
V.. who also passed away in infancy; and Charles Oliver, of whom 
specific mention is made in appending- paragraphs. Both Mr. and Mrs. 
Taylor were signally consistent and devoted members of the Presby- 
terian church, and no residents of the county were held in higher estima- 
tion in the community which was their home throughout the entire course 



132 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

of their unpretentious, worth} - and signally useful lives. Mr. Taylor at- 
tained a high degree of success in temporal affairs, becoming the owner 
of a fine estate in Concord township and being extensively engaged in 
the raising of and dealing in live stock in connection with his general 
agricultural operations. He was one of the organizers and incorporators 
of the Citizens' National Bank, of Urbana, having been for many years 
a member of its directorate, while for several years he was incumbent of 
the chief executive office of the institution, being its president and guiding 
its affairs with signal discretion. He was a capable and conservative 
business man and had a maturity of judgment which rendered his advice 
and counsel of inestimable value. He was entirely devoid of ostentation, 
was of a kindly and generous nature and held the respect and regard of 
all who knew him, and his acquaintanceship in the county was exception- 
ally wide. His political support was given to the Republican party, and, 
keeping well informed on the questions and issues of the hour, he ever 
maintained a lively interest in public affairs and was to be found enlisted 
in the support of all worthy measures projected for the general good. 
Mr. Taylor died on the 5th of January, 1885, in the fulness of years and 
well earned honors, and thus passed to his reward one of the sterling pio- 
neer citizens and native sons of Champaign county. His devoted and 
cherished wife passed away on the 7th of November, 1871, having been 
a woman of gentle and gracious character, retaining the affection of a 
wide circle of friends in the community where she had practically passed 

her entire life. 

4 » » 

CHARLES O. TAYLOR. 

From the foregoing memoir it will be discerned that the subject of 
this review is a representative of one of the stanch old pioneer families 
of Champaign county, — in fact, of two, since his maternal ancestors were 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 133 

likewise numbered among the early settlers of this favored section of the 
Buckeye commonwealth. As the only living child of his honored parents 
he remains to perpetuate the name, and his own life has been one of use- 
fulness and definite accomplishment and has been guided and guarded by 
that intrinsic integrity of purpose which ever invokes objective confidence 
and respect. He is one of the representative business men of the city of 
Urbana and is one of the county's progressive and public-spirited citizens. 
Charles Oliver Taylor, the only living child of Oliver and Catherine 
(Caraway) Taylor, is a native of Champaign county, having been born 
on the parental farmstead in Concord township, on the 12th of August. 
1852. He was reared under the sturdy and invigorating discipline of the 
farm and received his preliminary educational training in the public 
schools of the count}-, subsequently supplementing the same by a course 
of study in a business college in die city of Cincinnati. He began his 
independent career in that vocation to which he had been reared, engag- 
ing in farming and stock-raising in his native county. Later he became 
the owner of the Arrow smith mills, three and one-half miles northwest 
of Urbana, and operated the same successfully for a number of years, 
while from 1879 to 1881 he did a notable and profitable business in the 
importing of high-grade draft horses from Scotland and in the breeding 
of this line of stock, having in the connection raised and owned the well 
known "Khedive," a horse of celebrity and one of the finest of its type 
ever bred in this country. For several years Mr. Taylor was engaged 
in the lumber business and the operation of a sawmill in Urbana, having 
removed from his farm to this city in 1891. and his was the distinction 
of having been the first manager of the Market Square Theatre, in 
Urbana. of which he thus had control for a period of three years, pre- 
senting a select line of attractions and proving a most discriminating 
amusement caterer, giving to the citizens of Urbana and the county the 
benefit of a very superior class of entertainments. For the past four 
years he has conducted a very successful retail hardware business in 



134 CEXTEXXIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

Urbana, having a finely equipped establishment and securing a repre- 
sentative support. He became the owner of the same in September, 1898, 
and through his correct business methods and unmistakable reliability 
has built up a most gratifying and satisfactory trade, the enterprise being 
one of the most important of the sort in the county. Mr. Taylor served 
for eight years as a member of the National Guard of Ohio, and during 
seven years of this interval was incumbent of the office of lieutenant of 
his company, while he was in active service with his regiment during the 
riots in the city of Cincinnati, in 188^-4. In politics Mr. Taylor gives 
a stanch allegiance to the Republican party, but he has never had political 
ambition in a personal way and has never desired the honors or emolu- 
ments of public office. Fraternally he is identified with the Knights of 
Pythias, holding membership in Launcelott Lodge. No. 107, of Urbana. 
On the 29th of March, 1876, Mr. Taylor was united in marriage to 
Miss Emma E. Downs, who was born in Champaign county. Ohio, tin- 
daughter of William and Cathrine Downs, and of this union three chil- 
dren have been born, namely : William, Vance and Goldie. William, 
who was born on the 26th of May, 1878, graduated in the high school 
of Urbana with the class of 1898. He afterward received a three years* 
course in electrical engineering in the Ohio State University, of Colum- 
bus, and he is now employed by the Westinghouse Electric and Manu- 
facturing Company, of Manchester, England. The second son, Vance, 
was born on the 10th of October, 1880, and he is also a graduate of the 
Urbana high school. During the past year he has been assisting his 
father, and in the fall it is his intention to enter the Ohio State Uni- 
versity. 



JOHN HARLAN. 
John Harlan, one of the commissioners of Champaign county, ( >hio, 
was born in New Castle county, Delaware, May 3, 1832, a son of John 
and Lydia (Woodward) Harlan, natives of Chester county, Pennsyl- 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 135 

yania. The genealogy of the family is authentically traced to two 
brothers, George and Michael, who, in 1687, left the home of their fore- 
fathers among the sheltering hills of Wales and for a time cast their 
fortunes with the scarcely improved prospects of Ireland. Intent upon 
yet broader chances, they came to America and settled on the Brandy- 
wine in Pennsylvania. 

The parents of Mr. Harlan came to Champaign county in 1833, 
and in the spring of the following year made a permanent settlement in 
Rush township, where the father died in 1874, at the age of eighty, 
while the mother died in 1889, at the age of ninety. These pioneers in 
a strange state faithfully tilled their land and labored for the general well 
being of their locality, and at the same time reared a large family of 
.children, four of whom attained maturity. This same farm, with its 
associations of parental care and early struggles, is now owned by the 
commissioner of Champaign county. The father was a Democrat in 
political affiliation, and both he and his wife were reared in the Quaker 
faith. 

The youth of John Harlan did not differ materially from that of 
the farmer boys whom he met at the district schools and at the little 
meeting house, but he acquired practical ideas of life and work, which 
later found vent in his individual management of the old homestead. 
In 1855 he married Lydia Margaret Runyon, daughter of Elias and 
Martha (Crockett) Runyon, the Runyons being natives of Xew Jersey. 
The Harrisons were related to the William Henry Harrison family, and 
the Crocketts were related to David Crockett. Mrs. Harlan's grand- 
father. John Runyon, was an early settler and prominent citizen of 
Champaign county, and for several years served as judge of the circuit 
court. He and his wife. Mary ( Conkling) Runyon. were natives of 
Xew Jersey, and removed to Kentucky, and thence to Ohio in 1802, 



136 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

settling in Union township, this county. The family is of Welsh 
descent. 

During the Civil war Mr. Harlan served for one hundred and 
twenty days as a private in Company D. One Hundred and Thirty- 
fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and since the war has been a member 
of the W. A. Brand Post, Grand Army of the Republic. Though re- 
markably successful as a farmer, and abreast of the times as to agri- 
cultural science and general improvements, he retired permanently from 
his old-time occupation in 1899 and took up his residence in Urbana. 
As a stanch Republican he has been foremost in the political affairs of 
the county for many years, and his first election as commissioner occurred 
in 1896, and he is now holding his second term in this important 
capacity. His service has been well received throughout, and he is cred- 
ited with possessing not only intelligent knowledge of the needs of the 
community but with absolute integrity in furthering the fulfillment of 
practical measures. 



DANIEL W. RUTAN. 

\ representative of one of the prominent pioneer families of Cham- 
paign county, Daniel William Rutan has spent his entire life within 
its borders, so that his history is known to many of its citizens. His 
large circle of friends is an unmistakable evidence of a well spent life, 
and it is therefore with pleasure that we present his record to our read- 
ers as that of one of the leading and honored business men of the com- 
munity. 

He was born in Goshen township, Champaign county. April 30. 
1830. His paternal grandfather. Daniel Rutan. claimed Maryland as 
the state of his nativity, and he was one of the very early pioneers of 
this county, where he resided on a farm in Goshen township. He was 




<=*cJ ) &>^c^6£ // /^*^^ 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 139 

twice married, his first union being with Mary Hazel, while for his 
second wife he chose Mary Riddle. Daniel M. Rutan, the father of 
our subject, also had his nativity in Goshen township. Champaign county, 
and for his wife he chose Hannah Colwell, a native of Rush town- 
ship, this county, wdiere her father, John Colwell, had removed from 
New Jersey. After their marriage they took up their abode on a farm 
in Goshen township, where the father died before his son had reached 
the age of three ye:rs, but the mother, who was born in i8u, lived to 
the age of seventy-four years. They became the parents of two chil- 
dren, a son and a daughter, and the latter is the widow of George A. 
Rowinsky. She is a correspondent for the Urbana Citizen. 

Daniel W. Rutan, the younger of the two children, received the 
advantages of a common-school education in bis youth, and at the 
early age of eighteen years he started out in life to battle for himself. 
He first secured employment on the neighboring farms, and later he 
taught school until his labors were interrupted by the Civil war, when, 
in 1 86 1, he enlisted for service in Company D, Thirteenth Ohioi Volun- 
teer Infantry, entering the ranks as a private, and was soon promoted 
to the position of corporal, and at the close of his service, in 1864, was 
discharged with the rank of second lieutenant. During his military 
career he took part in many of the hard-fought battles of the war, in- 
cluding those of Pittsburg Landing, Stone River, Chickamauga, and 
Missionary Ridge. Although he was ever in the thickest of the fight 
he was never wounded or captured, and he participated in every en- 
gagement in which the gallant Tbirteenth took part up to the time of 
his discharge in 1864. 

After his return home Mr. Rutan again took up the quiet duties 
of the farm. After his marriage he located on a small farm in this 
locality, but later he sold that tract and purchased a part of his present 
place. Pie is now the owner of two valuable farms in Champaign 



140 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

county, consisting of three hundred and twenty-nine acres. During 
recent years, however, he has abandoned the raising of the cereals and 
has devoted his attention entirely to the stock business. He is an ex- 
tensive feeder of stock, and his 'efforts in this direction are meeting with 
success. His methods are in keeping with the progressive spirit of the 
times and his well improved property is a monument to his thrift and 
business ability. 

On the 1st of September, 1864, occurred the marriage of Mr. 
Rutan and Miss Lucy A. Kimball. She is a native of Union county, 
Ohio, and was reared in both Union and Champaign counties. By her 
marriage to our subject she has become the mother of eight children, 
namely : Warren, who married Clara Gove and is a prominent farmer 
of Union township; Glen, who was first married to Xettie Doak, and 
for his present wife he chose Delia McAdams; Hiram E., who is still 
unmarried and makes his home in Greene county, Ohio; Benjamin M., 
married Jennie Owen and is engaged in the creamery business at Marys- 
ville, Ohio; Mary, the wife of A. E. Bullard, a farmer of Goshen town- 
ship; Nellie, the wife of Dr. A. O. W'hitaker, a practicing physician of 
South Charleston, Clark county, Ohio; David \Y., who is also in Greene 
county, and Martha D., at home. In politics Mr. Rutan is a Republi- 
can, and a member of Stephen Baxter Post, No. 88, G. A. R., in which 
he maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades. He is 
widely known throughout Champaign county, many of his friends hav- 
ing been his associates from boyhood, and all respect and honor him 
for his irenuine worth. 



WILLIAM F. BAILAR. 

As one reviews the history of the county and looks into the past to 
see who were prominent in its early development he will find that almost 
throughout the entire century the name of Bailar has been closely con- 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 141 

nected with the progress and advancement of this section of the state. 
William F. Bailar is a native son of Champaign county, his birth occur- 
ring in Adams township March 24, 185 2. His father, George W. Bailar, 
was born in the same locality on the 21st of October, 1S25. and the lat- 
ter's father, John Bailar, came to Champaign county from Pennsylvania, 
his native state, taking up his abode on a farm in Adams township. At 
that time only one other family resided in the township, and wild was the 
region into which he came. He secured a farm of one hundred and 
twenty-four acres, which he cleared and improved, and he soon became 
recognized as one of the leading citizens of the county. In his political 
views he was what is now called a Democrat. In this county he was 
married to Catherine Pence, who was a member of a prominent old fam- 
ily of Virginia, and they became the parents of nine children. 

George W. Bailar. the third son in the above family, remained at 
home until his marriage, during which time he assisted his father in the 
arduous task of clearing and improving the home farm. In Adams 
township, about 1850, he was united in marriage to Julia A. Licklider, 
who was born in Virginia on the iSth of October, 1825, but when nine 
years of age, in 1834, she came with her parents to this county, the fam- 
ily locating on a farm in Johnson township, where she was reared and 
educated. She was a daughter of David and Catherine (Clem) Lick- 
lider. Six sons blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Bailar, — John David, 
William F., Sanders, George R., Corey E. and Charles. Three of the 
sons, John David, Sanders and Charles, died in infancy, and all were 
born on the old homestead in Champaign county. The father of this 
family was a Democrat in his political views, and for several years he 
served his township as its trustee. In his social relations he was a mem- 
ber of the Masonic fraternity, and religiously was a member of the 
Christian church, having assisted in the erection of it; house of worship 



142 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

at Carysville, and he was treasurer of the same for many years. He 
was called to his final rest in 1888, but is still survived by his widow. 

William F. Bailar, whose name introduces this review, was reared 
in the township of his nativity, and to its public school system he is in- 
debted for the early educational privileges which he was permitted to 
enjoy. He remained at home until he was twenty-four years of age, 
assisting his father in clearing and cultivating the old homestead. In 
1876 he was married, but still continued to live on the old homestead 
for seven years, during which time he followed farming. He then 
moved to a portion of his present farm, consisting of seventy-eight acres, 
but as the years have passed by he has been enabled to add to> his 
original purchase until he is now the owner of one hundred and thirty- 
nine acres, most of which is under a fine state of cultivation. Like his 
father and grandfather, he upholds the principles of the Democracy, and 
for two terms he has served as a trustee o>f his township. 

The marriage of Mr. Bailar was celebrated in 1876. when Miss 
Flora I. Newcomb became his wife. She is a native of Champaign 
county and is a. daughter of Howell Newcomb, who was born in Adams 
township, this county, October 6, 1825. The latter's father, Joseph New- 
comb, came from New Jersey to this county, where he was among the 
very early pioneers. He located on a farm in Adams township. In this 
locality Howell Newcomb. the father of Mrs. Bailar. was married to 
M'iss Eliza Johnson, a native of Adams township and a daughter of 
Walker Johnson, the first settler of Johnson township. He cleared and 
improved one hundred and sixty acres of land there, and was one of the 
influential >citizenJs of the community. He was a Democrat in his 
political views and was a member of the United Brethren church, in 
which he was an active worker, and assisted materially in the erection of 
its house of worship in Adams. Mr. and Mrs. Newcomb became the 
parents of six children. — Napoleon F, Hamilton G.. Sarah A., Mary 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 143 

Jane. Flora I. and Victoria. With the exception of the two last men- 
tioned all died when young. Three children have blessed the union of 
our subject and wife, namely : Victoria May, the wife of John E. 
Huffman, the proprietor of a creamery in this county; Enda C, the wife 
of Clyde Stevenson, a farmer of Adams township; and Goldie M. The 
two eldest were born on the old Bailar homestead, and the youngest was 
born on our subject's present farm. In his social relations Mr. Bailer 
is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Anti- 
Horsethief Association, both of Rosewood. He is a member of the 
Christian church at Carysville, in which he has long served as treasurer 
and as a deacon, and for a long period was superintendent of the Sunday- 
school. 



CHARLES BRELSFORD. 

This honored veteran of the Civil war is now a resident of Saint 
Paris. Ohio. A true patriot and devoted citizen in both times of peace 
and war, he merits the high regard which is universally bestowed upon 
him. He was born near Madison, Wisconsin, November 20, 1846, and 
is a son of William and Hannah (Scott) Brelsford. In a very early day 
the Brelsford family removed from New Jersey to Montgomery county, 
Ohio, and in a small town in that county the father of cur subject was 
reared to mature years and there followed pump-making. In an early 
day he came to Champaign county, where for several years he followed 
the same occupation near Lena. He was there married to Hannah, a 
daughter of Asa and Mary ( White) Scott. The Scotts were also mem- 
bers of a prominent Xew Jersey family, but in an early day they left 
their eastern home for the Buckeye state, taking up their abode near 
Lena, Champaign o unty. There the father died on the old homestead 



144 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

farm in 1864, after reaching the Psalmist's span of three score years and 
ten. He followed the tilling of the soil as a life occupation. Unto Mr. 
and Mrs. Scott were born four children, namely: Hannah, now Mrs. 
Brelsford; Harvey Y., who died in Faribault. Minnesota, in 1901 ; 
James G., who died near that city in 1896; and Jasper. James G. and 
Harvey G. were among the "forty-niners" who crossed the continent to 
seek the treasures of the Golden state, making the overland trip, and 
after leaving the Pacific coast they settled in Minnesota. 

After his marriage Mr. Brelsford continued to reside in Champaign 
county until the early '40s. when he removed with his family to Wiscon- 
sin, locating on government land near Madison, and there he followed 
agricultural pursuits in connection with pump-making until his death, 
in 1849. After his demise Mr. Scott went to Wisconsin and with a team 
and wagon brought Mrs. Brelsford and her children to Champaign 
county, where they made their permanent home near Saint Paris. The 
children born unto Air. and Mrs. Brelsford were: Caroline, the widow 
of Edward Flowers; Sarah, who became the wife of A. E. Pond; 
Phoebe, who was first married to J. T. Northcott ami afterward to 
Simeon Pence, and she is now a widow: Harrison; Asa: Mary E., the 
wife of Ira Poffenberger, of Urbana ; Emma, the wife of Henrv Gibbs; 
and Charles. Mrs. Brelsford still survives her husband and is living 
in Saint Paris, in the eighty-fourth year of her age. For fifty years she 
has been a devoted member of the Baptist church. 

Charles Brelsford, of this review, received but limited educational 
advantages during his youth, as he was only permitted to attend the 
public schools during the short winter months, while during the sum- 
mer season he assisted in the work of the home farm. In 1862 he 
enlisted for three months' service in the Civil war. entering the service 
as a member of Company H. Eighty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and 
during the term of his enlistment was engaged in guarding the Balti- 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 145 

more & Ohio Railroad through West Virginia. The regiment was dis- 
banded at Delaware, Ohio, and for the following year Mr. Brelsford re- 
mained at home, working on his grandfather's farm. In January, 1864, 
he re-enlisted, entering Company L, Eighth Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, 
and his first service in that command was under General Hunter in the 
Lynchburg raid in Virginia. After participating in the battles of 
Lynchburg and Liberty he, with a part of his regiment, was transferred 
to the Shenandoah valley, under the command of General Averill, where 
he remained until November, 1S64. He participated in the hard-fought 
battle of Winchester and was much on detached service as a scout. In 
November, 1864. the two sections of his regiment were reunited at 
Beverly, West Virginia, where they were engaged in picket duty until 
the 1 ith of January, 18C-5, when General Rosseau made an attack on that 
city and captured about four hundred and eighty soldiers, including the 
Eighth Ohio Cavalry. The prisoners were taken to Richmond, Virginia, 
and the journey to Libby prison was a most trying one, the weather 
being cold and rainy, and icicles often clung to their clothing. They 
were obliged to wade all the rivers on the route, and for three days Mr. 
Brelsford was without food, after which he was given a small piece of 
fat pork, which he ate raw. They were incarcerated in Libby prison 
until the 17th of February, when they were exchanged, and our subject 
returned home on a thirty-days' furlough. On the expiration of that 
period he returned to Philippi, West Virginia, where a part of his regi- 
ment was stationed, and at Clarksburg, Virginia, it was mustered out 
of service in August, 1865, our subject leaving the ranks as a corporal. 
His brother Asa also enlisted for service in 1861. becoming a member 
of Company A, Second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in which he served for 
three years. During a part of enlistment he was on detached service 
as a blacksmith, and he was honorably discharged in 1864. Mr. Brels- 
ford. of this review, took with him into the service a small pocket Bible, 



146 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

with his name and regiment inscribed on the fly-leaf, but the Bible was 
lost at the battle of Lynchburg. Thirty-four years after that engage- 
ment he received a communication from the commander at the govern- 
ment arsenal at Augusta. Georgia, stating that a lady there residing 
had in her possession a Bible found on the battlefield of Lynchburg and 
bearing Mr. Brelsford's name. The latter was located through the pen- 
sion department and he received his Bible. 

After his return to civil life Mr. Brelsford located at Millerstown, 
Champaign county, and in that city and also in Bowlusville and Saint 
Paris he was engaged at the blacksmith's trade for a time, spending 
seventeen years in the last named place. For the following three years 
he was engaged in agricultural pursuits in Champaign county, on the 
expiration of which period he removed to Shelby county, Ohio, and 
from that time until 1890 he there followed the tilling of the soil. 
After his return to Champaign county he was first engaged in the imple- 
ment business with a Mr. Kite, which relationship was maintained for 
five years, and since that time during the winter months he has been en- 
gaged in the poultry business. For a time he was engaged in that 
enterprise with the late Mr. Cline at Jackson Center, and previously he 
was associated with a Mr. Riker in Saint Paris. He owns a tract of one 
hundred and fourteen acres in Champaign county. 

In the year 1868 Mr. Brelsford was united in marriage to Mary E. 
Ilauback, and four children were born of that union. The eldest, D. 
Orrin. is a popular and successful teacher in the public schools of Saint 
Paris, and is also president of the teachers' examining board. The 
second son, Millard, is the pastor of the First Baptist church at Urbana, 
1 Ihio. He is a graduate of the Saint Paris high school, of the Granville 
College, of the Rochester, New York, Theological School, and was 
ordained to the ministry in June, 1900. Asa and Sarah are both de- 
ceased. The family are members of the Baptist church of Saint Paris, 




MR. AND MRS JOHN GOUL. 



CEXTEXXIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 149 

of which Mr. Brelsford is one of the charter members and for many 
years he has held office therein. His political support is given to the 
Republican party, and while residing in Shelby county he held the 
office of trustee. In his fraternal relations he is a member of Saint Paris 
Lodge, No. 246, I. O. O. F.. and also of Scott Post, No. 111, G. A. R., 
of which he has served as commander. He is truly an honored hero of 
the Civil war. During his army career he was imprisoned and suffered 
much from privations and exposure, yet he was always found faithful 
to the duties imposed upon him, and at all times he is a loyal citizen, 
true to the interests of county, state and nation. 



JOHN GOUL. 



John Goul, who resides on the Mechanicsburg and Bellefontaine 
pike, was born in Union township. Champaign county, on the 6th of 
February, 1832. His father, Christian Goul, was a native of Rock- 
bridge county, Virginia, where he was born on the 6th of September, 
1804. In 1817, when thirteen years of age, he came with his parents 
to Champaign county. His father, Adam Goul, was born near Frank- 
fort, Germany, in 1761, a son of Frederick Goul, also a native of the 
fatherland, and he died at sea while on his way to America. Adam 
Goul came to America in 1763, and during the latter part of the Revo- 
lutionary war he served as a teamster therein. He was married to Miss 
Elizabeth Lutz, who was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1773. 
and after their marriage they moved to Rockbridge county, Virginia, 
where they made their home until 18 17. In that year they came to 
Champaign county, locating in Goshen township, about two miles north 
of Mechanicsburg, where they cleared and improved a farm. They be- 



i 5 o CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

came the parents of eight children, — Mary, George. Frederick, William, 
John, Christian and Henry. Gertrude died when young and George died 
of camp fever while serving his country in the war of 181.2, but the other 
children lived to a good old age and were married. Adam Goul died 
on the uth of October, 1845, aged eighty-four years, and his wife 
was called to her final rest on the 13th of November, 1846, in her 
eighty-third year. They were members of the Presbyterian church, and 
were numbered among the prominent old pioneers of Champaign county. 

Christian Goul, the father of him whose name introduces this re- 
view, received his education in the county of his nativity. After his 
marriage he located on government land in Union township. Champaign 
county, where he remained for about three years, and during that time 
our subject was born. Mr. Goul thence returned to Goshen township, 
later made his home in Marysville. Union county, for about one year, 
for three years was a resident of Richwood, Ohio, and in 1854 again 
returned to Goshen township. His death occurred in Mutual, Unit >n 
township, September 6, 1879. passing away in the faith of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal church, of which he was long a worthy member. In 
the early days his residence was always the home of the ministers, and 
he did all in his power to promote the cause of Christianity among his 
fellow men. He also assisted materially in the erection of the house 
of worship at Mutual. Nearly his entire life was spent within the 
boundaries of Champaign county, and all who knew him entertained 
for him the highest respect and esteem, for his enire life was above 
reproach. In his early manhood he voted with the Whig party, and 
after the organization of the new Republican party he joined its ranks. 

Mr. Goul was married in Goshen township, Miss Ruth Lawson be- 
coming his wife. She was born in Brown county. Ohio. December 
8, 1806, but at three years of age was brought to Goshen township. 
Champaign county, and here she lived to the age of ninety-two years. 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 



i ;i 



Her father, Thomas Lawson, was a native of Pennsylvania, but sub- 
sequently removed to Brown county, Ohio, and in 1809 took up his 
abode in Goshen township. He was of German descent, and his wife 
was of English origin. Mrs. Goul was the second of their eight chil- 
dren, and the eldest daughter. Eight children were born unto the union 
<>f Mr. and Airs. Goul. namely: Luellyn, a farmer of Madison county, 
Indiana; Adam, a resident of Union township. Champaign county. 
Ohio: John, of this review; Newton W, also a farmer of Union town- 
ship; Jane, the wife of John Strode, a farmer of Johnson township. 
Champaign county; Sarah, deceased; Rachel, also deceased; and Anna, 
the widow of Thomas Thompson, a resident of Union township. 

John Goul, the subject of this sketch, attended the subscription 
schools of his neighborhood during his early youth, and was afterward 
a student in the district schools. He remained at home and assisted his 
father in the work of the home farm until after his marriage, which 
occurred on the 28th of September. 1854, Miss Susan F. Coffe'nberger 
becoming his wife. She was born near YYilliamsport, Maryland, on 
the 23d of December, 1835, a daughter of George and Elizabeth 
(Turner) Coffenberger. both natives of Virginia. The father died in 
Maryland, and afterward, in 1845, the mother came with her family to 
Champaign county, locating in Union township. Mrs. Goul was then 
about ten years of age. and she has spent the remainder of her life in 
this locality. She is the sixth in order of birth of her parents" seven 
children. 

Mr. and Mrs. Goul began their domestic life in a little log cabin 
on the farm on which they now reside, which continued as their place 
of abode for six years, and then, in i860, they removed to Union town- 
ship, where they built a small log cabin and cleared a farm. Selling 
their possessions there in 1864. he purchased another farm in the same 
township, and on the 2d of May. of the same year, enlisted for service 



153 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

in the Civil war, joining Company E, One Hundred and Thirty-fourth 
Ohio Volunteer Infantry, as a private. He enlisted for one hundred 
days' service, and on the expiration of that period received an hon- 
orable discharge and returned to his home and family in Union town- 
ship. In 1869 ne traded his place there for the old homestead, which 
has been in the possession of the Lawson and Goul families since 1815, 
and here he has one hundred and fifty-five acres of excellent land, all 
under a fine state of cultivation, thirty-seven and a half acres in Union 
township, which farm is also well improved. He is also one of the 
stockholders in the Farmers' Elevator at Mechanicsburg. 

Five children have been born unto the union of our subject and 
wife, two sons and three daughters, namely: Ella, who was born 
September 3, 1855, and died on the 9th of October, of the same year; 
George, who was born April 25, 1857, and married Ollie Wyant, of 
Madison county, Indiana; Isabel R.. who was born July 3, 1859, and 
died on the 28th of July, 1880; Parthenia F., who was born Novem- 
ber 7, 1861, and died October 16, 1870; and Walter S.. who was born 
February 18, 1808, and married Louisa Pullens. They reside in Colum- 
bus, Ohio, where he is employed in a steel plant. Mr. Goul has been a 
life-long Republican, his first presidential vote having been cast for 
Fremont, and he twice voted for Lincoln. He has been the choice of 
his party for many township offices, but he would never allow his name 
to be used as a candidate for county offices. Both he and his wife are 
members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Mechanicsburg, in which 
they are active and prominent workers. 



CALVIN R. HUNTER. 

The business stability of Mechanicsburg has been augmented by 
the successful career of Calvin R. Hunter, senior member of the firm 
of C. R. Hunter & Company, grain merchants, and president of the 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 153 

Central Bank. A native son of Mechanicsburg, Mr. Hunter was born 
September 15. 1857, a son of Vincent and Sabina (Weaber) Hunter, the 
former born in Clark county, Ohio', in 1819, and the latter in Lebanon 
county, Pennsylvania, in 1829. The maternal grandfather, William 
Hunter, was a native of Virginia, and upon starting out to fashion his 
own career located in Clark county, Ohio, of which he was one of the 
earliest settlers. An equally worthy and successful pioneer of Clark 
county was the maternal grandfather. Philip Weaber, a native of Penn- 
sylvania, and who in later life removed from Clark to Champaign 
county, Ohio. 

Following the marriage of the parents of Mr. Hunter they took up 
their residence in Goshen township. Champaign county, Ohio, where 
the elder Hunter attained to considerable prominence in general affairs, 
and by reason of well applied industry accumulated a competence. He 
was chiefly interested in farming and milling, occupations in which he 
was well versed and progressive, and for many years he was a large 
dealer in grain in Mechanicsburg. His death, in 1884. at the age of 
sixty-five years, removed one of the substantial men of the community 
and a stanch supporter of the Republican party. The wife, who sur- 
vives him, is still a resident of Mechanicsburg. where also live her two 
surviving children, one of whom is Mrs. Laura Burnham. 

The earliest business inclinations of Calvin R. Hunter were nat- 
urally along the lines adopted by his father, and while still a youth 
attending the public schools he gained a fair knowledge of grain and 
general elevator trade. Eventually he embarked upon an independent 
venture, which was none other than the beginning of the present busi- 
ness of C. R. Hunter & Company, established in 1890. and which has 
since known uninterrupted prosperity. So long and extensive an ex- 
perience has qualified Mr. Hunter to speak with authority upon the 
grain possibilities of Ohio, a state resource in which he has unbounded 



154 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

faith when accompanied by expert management. Mr. Hunter is also 
interested in general farming and stock-raising, and he has been presi- 
dent of the Central Bank since January 2, 1893. Although a stanch 
upholder of Republican principles and issues, he has never entered the 
arena of political preferment, his time having been devoted principally 
to the discharge of business obligations. Fraternally he is assi dated 
with the Knights Templar. He married Lizzie Burnham, daughter of 
D. D. Burnham. in 1890, and of this union there are two children, 
Eldon and Norvell. Mr. Hunter is a business man of unquestioned 
integrity, and his reputation 'in the community is in keeping with his 
public spirit and devotion to the general well being. 



CLAUDE C. CRAIG, M. D 

As one of the representative young members of the medical pro- 
fession of Champaign county, of which he is a native son. Dr. Craig 
assuredly merits a place in this compilation. He is successfully engaged 
in the practice of his chosen profession in the city of Urbana, where he 
is associated with Dr. Harry Cook, under the firm name of Drs. Cook & 
Craig, and to them is also due much credit for the maintenance of a 
high-grade sanitarium and hospital in this city, the same proving of 
great value to the community and being conducted with marked ability, 
while its equipments are of the most modern and approved order, facili- 
tating the treatment of varied classes of disease and effective surgical 
work. 

Dr. Craig is a representative of one of the pioneer families of the 
county, having been born on the parental homestead, in Concord town- 
ship, on the 18th O'f September, 1873, the son of Harrison Craig, an 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 1 55 

hundred citizen of Urbana, to whom individual reference is made on 
other pages of this work. To the article in question we refer the reader 
for further data concerning- the genealogy of our present subject. The 
Doctor was reared under the sturdy discipline O'f the farm and received 
his early educational training in the district schools, after which he 
entered the Urbana high school, where he completed the course and 
properly fitted himself for the technical study and reading which pre- 
pared him for his chosen life work. For a period of three years he 
was employed in the egg-case factory of his father, and then began 
reading medicine under the direction of Dr. H. C. Houston, of Urbana. 
In 1894 he was matriculated in the Cleveland Homeopathic Medical 
College, where he was graduated, with the degree of Doctor of Medi- 
cine, in March, 1897, after which, in order to more fully fortify him- 
self for the practical work of his profession, he passed one year as in- 
terne in the Huron Street Hospital in Cleveland, where he gained ex- 
ceptionally valuable clinical experience. He then returned to Urbana, 
where he has since been actively engaged in the practice of his pro- 
fession and where he has gained prestige as a finely qualified and 
discriminating physician and surgeon, while his genial personality has 
been a distinct factor in promoting his popularity in both professional 
and social circles. As has already been stated, Dr. Craig is associated 
in practice with Dr. Harry Cook, and they are proprietors of the Ur- 
bana Sanitarium, whose headquarters are the old Hotel Sowles, a 
commodious and conveniently arranged building, which has been fitted 
up with special reference to the use to which it is now applied. The 
sanitarium has the equipment of a first-class hospital, having appliances 
for hot air and other baths, the best of electrical devices, static, galvanic 
and faradic, for the treatment of nervous disorders and other diseases, 
and a specially efficacious apparatus utilized for the treatment of 
catarrhal conditions. The sanitarium has comfortable and cheerful 



156 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

rooms for the accommodation of patients, who may here receive the 
best of attention in every respect, the institution being a valuable acqui- 
sition to the city and being admirably conducted. 

In his political allegiance Dr. Craig gives his support to the Re- 
publican party, but he has never sought public office, the only official 
incumbency he has retained being that of health officer of Urbana, in 
which capacity he served for a period of two years. He is an able 
exponent of the theories and methods of Hahnemann, keeps thoroughly 
in touch with the advances made in the sciences of medicine and surgery 
and is one of the representative members of his school of practice in 
this section of the state. 

On the 14th of June. 1899, Dr. Craig was united in marriage to 
Miss Stella Talbott. daughter of George A. Talbott, of Urbana, Ohio. 
Fraternally the Doctor is identified with the time-honored order of Free 
and Accepted Masons, holding membership in Champaign Lodge. 



DAVID CLEM. 



There is no element which has entered into our composite na- 
tional fabric which has been of more practical strength, value and utility 
than that furnished by the sturdy, persevering and honorable sons of 
Germany, and from that nationality our subject is descended. His pa- 
ternal great-grandfather was born in the fatherland, but when a young 
man left his home across the sea and came to America, taking up his 
abode in the Old Dominion, and in that commonwealth his son David 
was born. The latter became the grandfather of our subject, and his 
son Isaac was also a native of Virginia, born in Shenandoah county, 
where he was reared and married. In iN_><) he came to Champaign 
county, Ohio, locating on a farm in Johnson township, but in 1853 ne 




RESIDENCE AMD BARS OF DAYID CLEM. 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 159 

sold that tract and bought a farm west of Saint Paris, where he died 
at the age of seventy-five years. His political support was given to 
the Democracy. For his wife he choise Rebecca Crabill. also a native 
of Virginia, as was her father, John Crabill. She reached the age of 
seventy-nine years, and by her marriage to Mr. Clem became the mother 
of nine children, six sons and three daughters, all of whom, with the 
exception of one, who died at the age of four years, grew to maturity, 
and live sons and two daughters are still living, our subject being the 
third child and second son in order of birth. 

David Clem, of this review, was born on the home farm in John- 
son township. Champaign county, on the 30th of September, 1836. 
During his youth he attended the primitive school of the neighbor- 
hood during the winter months, while the summer seasons were spent 
in assisting his father in the work of the farm, thus continuing until 
he reached his majority. He then started out to make his own way in 
the world, and for a time thereafter worked for neighboring fanners 
by the day or month. For about six years he was also employed at 
the shoemaker's trade in Saint Paris, after which he purchased a farm 
in Johnson township, near Millerstown, on which he made his home 
for about one year, on the expiration of which period he si hi that 
tract and purchased one hundred acres in Adams and Johnson townships. 
Four years later he again sold his farm, after which he removed to 
Caldwell county, Missouri, and in Davis county, that state, purchased a 
farm. Returning after a time to Champaign county, he became the 
owner of one hundred and thirty-five acres in Urbana township, but 
after a residence there of five years he sold that tract and purchased 
his present homestead, consisting of three hundred acres, in Salem 
township, and in addition he also owns one hundred and sixty-seven 
acres in the same township, two hundred and seven acres southeast of 
of \\ est Liberty and one hundred acres in Johnson township, thus mak- 



160 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

ing his landed possessions consist of seven hundred and seventy-four 
acres. Starting out in life a poor boy. he has steadily worked his way 
upward, gaining success and winning public confidence. 

Mr. Clem was married in 1876. when Miss Romelia Perry became 
his wife. She was born in Virginia, but when ten years of age ac- 
companied her parents to^ the Buckeye state, the family locating in 
Clark county. Her grandfather, Abram Perry, was a native of Penn- 
sylvania and was of Dutch descent, while her maternal grandfather, 
Henry F. Hensley, was a native of Virginia and was a member of a 
prominent old southern family. Mrs. Clem's parents, George and Mar- 
garet (Hensley) Perry, were also natives of the Old Dominion, but in 
1865 they came to Clark county, Ohio, where the father died in 1868, 
and he is still survived by his widow. They were the parents of nine 
children, five daughters and four sons and seven of the number grew 
to years of maturity. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Clem has been blessed 
with six children, — five of whom are living: Joseph, born October 
20, 1877; Samuel, born January 24, 1879; Pearl, October 16. 188 1 ; 
Ivan, October 17, 1883; and Blanch, born March 15. 1891. One daugh- 
ter, Grace, died in infancy. Since attaining to mature years Mr. Clem 
has given his political support to the Democracy. He stands on the 
side (if progress, advancement and civilization, favoring education, re- 
ligion, law and order, and whatever makes for the good of the people as 
individuals and as communities. 



JAMES W. ANDERSON. 

Mr. Anderson was born in Augusta county, Virginia, on the 6th 
of November, 1827. being the second in order of birth of the eight 
children of John and Fannie (Clark) Anderson, the former of whom 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 161 

was born in the same county of the Old Dominion state, on the 12th of 
December. 1788. while the latter was born in Clarke county. Virginia, 
on the 4th of August. 1804. John Anderson was a son of James and 
Isabella (King) Anderson, the former of whom was born in the pic- 
turesque Shenandoah valley of Virginia, in 1749, while his wife was a 
native of Pennsylvania, where she was born in 1758. James Anderson 
was a son of James. Sr., who married a Miss McLanehan. He was 
bom in Ireland, being of Scotch-Irish lineage, and came to America in 
his youth, his parents having removed from Scotland to the north of 
Ireland in 1665. Upon coming to America he located in Pennsylvania, 
where his marriage occurred, and thence he went on an exploring ex- 
pedition through the Shenandoah valley, having organized a company 
for this purpose and having started from Philadelphia about the year 
1725. After making due investigation he returned to his home in 
Pennsylvania, whence he later removed with his family to the Shen- 
andoah valley, being one of the first settlers in that beautiful section 
of the Old Dominion. During the early days there he was an active 
participant in many sanguinary conflicts with the Indians and there 
he passed the remainder of his honorable and useful life. His son 
James, grandfather of our subject, served with marked distinction as a 
soldier in the Continental line during the war of the Revolution. His 
wife. Isabella ( King) Anderson, was a daughter of John and Isabella 
(Christian) King, of Scotch-Irish stock. Fannie (Clark) Anderson, 
mother of the subject of this review, was a daughter of Joseph and' 
Mary ( Reynolds) Clark, both natives of Maryland and the latter being 
a daughter of John Reynolds. Her maternal grandfather. John 
Reynolds, was captain of the first company organized in Washington 
county, Maryland, at the inception of the war of the Revolution and 
held this office in the Sixth Regiment of Maryland Volunteers. He 
was killed by Indians on the Ohio river in 1799. His father, John 



i62 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

Reynolds, a son of a Scotchman, emigrated to America in 1714, and 
was the original progenitor of the family in the New World. He was 
a Presbyterian of the stern and unbending Scutch type and his wife 
was a member of the established church of England, she having been 
born in Ireland, of Welsh ancestry. They were married in Ireland in 
the year 1681, and came to the United States in 17 14, locating in Penn- 
sylvania. 

John and Fannie (Clark) Anderson became the parents of eight 
children, namely: Mary H., deceased; James W.. the subject of this 
sketch; George D., a resident of Augusta county, Virginia; Jane C. the 
widow of Henry Coyner- and now residing in Augusta county, Vir- 
ginia; Isabella A., deceased; John J., of whom specific mention is made 
elsewhere in this work; Xorval W, who was a valiant soldier in the 
war of the Rebellion, in which he sacrificed bis life in defense of the 
Union, having been killed in the battle of Stone River in 1863; and 
Sarah M.. the widow of Captain George H. Killian, who served on the 
staff of Stonewall Jackson. The parents of this family passed their 
entire lives in Virginia, where the father devoted his life to farming. 

James W. Anderson was reared and educated in Virginia, where be 
secured such advantages as were afforded in the common schools, so 
fortifying himself as to become eligible for pedagogic work, having 
been a successful teacher for some time in his youthful days. He de- 
voted his attention to agricultural pursuits in his native state until he 
had attained the age of twenty-nine years, when, in 1856, he came to 
Champaign county, Ohio, and took up his permanent abode in Urbana, 
where he established himself in the drug business, in which he con- 
tinued for the lung period of forty years, being one of the pioneer busi- 
ness men of the city at the time of his retirement, in 1896, and having 
attained a competency through his able and discriminating efforts. A 
man of marked intellectuality and unswerving integrity in all the re- 



CEXTEXXIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 163 

lations of life, he has commanded the unbounded confidence and esteem 
of the community in which he has passed so many years of his life, and 
here, in well earned retirement from active business, he rests secure in 
the regard of old and tried friends. Though he has never sought the 
honors of political office he has not been unmindful of his civic duties 
and has given his support to the Republican party since 1861, and prior 
to that time was a Whig. He and his wife are zealous adherents of the 
Methodist Episcopal church and are members of the First M. E. church 
of Urbana. with whose work they have been identified for many years. 

On the 19th of December, 1872. Mr. Anderson was united in mar- 
riage to Miss Caroline Baldwin, the daughter of Judge Samuel Vance 
and Catherine (YanMeter) Baldwin. Our subject and his wife have 
no children. 

Samuel V. Baldwin, lather of Mrs. Anderson, was born in Hamp- 
shire county. Virginia, being a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Wilson) 
Baldwin, the latter of whom was a granddaughter of Captain Wilson, 
who distinguished himself in connection with the Indian wars both 
prior and subsequent to the war of the Revolution. Samuel V. Baldwin 
was a lad of ten years at the time when his parents removed from the 
Old Dominion to Clark county, Ohio, where they were numbered among 
the early pioneers. Here he was reared to maturity, having such edu- 
cational advantages as were afforded in the primitive schools of the 
locality and period and effectively supplementing this by a most devoted 
and careful self-application and study. He studied law and ably fitted 
himself for the practice of his profession. He came to Urbana about 
the year 1835, becoming one of the distinguished members of the early 
bar of the county, where he was held in the highest esteem. He held 
preferment as prosecuting attorney of Champaign county and for eleven 
years was incumbent of the office of probate judge of the county, being 
the first probate judge of the county after the office was created. His 



1 64 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

administration was one of signal ability and honor, and his death oc- 
curred just after his re-election. His political support was originally 
given to the Whig party, but he became a loyal adherent of the Repub- 
lican party at the time of its organization and was thereafter an uncom- 
promising supporter of its principles and policies. Judge Baldwin en- 
tered into eternal rest in 1861, at the age of fifty-five years, his widow 
surviving until 1881. when she passed away, at the age of seventy-one 
years. Of their eight children seven attained maturity and four are 
living at the present time. 



MRS. MARIA PATRICK. 

The venerable lady whose name initiates this sketch is certainly 
worthy of representation in a volume which has to do with those who 
have lived and wrought to goodly ends within the borders of Cham- 
paign county, for not only is she one of the pioneers of this county but 
is a representative of one of the sterling pioneer families of the state. 
She has now reached the age of nearly four score years and ten, and is 
a veritable "mother in Israel," revered by all who know her and having 
within her mental ken a purview of the mavelous changes which have 
been wrought in this section of the Union during the flight of many 
years. She retains her home in the city of Urbana and is undoubtedly 
the oldest living pioneer of the county, a noble type of those true-hearted 
and courageous women who contributed in so large a measure to the 
. development and material prosperity of this locality. 

Mrs. Patrick is a native of the old Buckeye state, having been 
born near the town of London, Madison county, on the 2d of February, 
[813, mi that her ninetieth birthday anniversary will occur within a few 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. .65 

months after this work is issued from the press. Her parents were 
Charles and Mary (McDougal) Atchison, and in their early life they 
were residents of Kentucky, where they met with reverses, principally 
through the burning of their property, which led them to seek a new 
home in Ohio and to here endeavor to retrieve their fortunes. They 
became squatters, as the title was familiarly given in the early days, 
in Madison county, where they passed the residue of their lives, the 
mother of our subject passing away when Mrs. Patrick was hut ten 
years of age, and her father when she was but fifteen, so that she was 
orphaned while still a child. Her father had been previously married, 
and there were three children of the first union and six of the second, 
Mrs. Patrick being the only survivor at the present time. After the 
death of her mother she lived for a short interval in the home c f one of 
her half-sisters, and when she was eighteen years of age she came to 
Urbana to live with another half-sister. She arrived in the city which 
is now her home on the 30th of November. 1S30. and on the 12th of 
November, 1833, the night made memorable by one of the most notable 
meteoric showers ever witnessed in this section of the Union, she was 
united in marriage to Jacob H. Patrick, who was born in Urbana, the 
son of Anthony Patrick, the date of his nativity having been September 
22, 181 1, and his death occurring March 12. 1890, so that he lived to 
attain the patriarchial age of nearly eighty years. Of this union nine 
children were born, of whom three only are living at the present time, 
namely: Ellen, the widow of John S. Kirby; Emily, the wife of Joseph 
C. Vance; and Walter K.. of Urbana. 

Owing to the exigencies of time and place, the early advantages 
of Mrs. Patrick were limited in scope and were of primitive character, 
but her receptive mind, keen powers of observation and personal appli- 
cation enabled her to effectively supplement this early and meagre dis- 
cipline. Her husband, who was a man of sterling integrity and who 



1 66 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

was honored by all who knew him, in early life learned the saddler's 
trade, bnt he devoted his attention to the same only for a short time 
and then engaged in the hardware business, which he followed for many 
years, being- recognized as one of the representative citizens of Urbana, 
where his entire life was passed. He retired from this enterprise a few 
years prior to his death, and thereafter devoted his attention to looking 
after his farming interests, also conducting an insurance business. He 
was a stanch Republican in his political proclivities, but never sought 
official preferment, the only office of consequence of which he was in- 
cumbent having been that of member of the city council. He was a 
devoted member of the Baptist church, while for more than seventy 
years his widow has been an active member of the First Methodist 
Episcopal church in Urbana. where her name and zealous services are 
held in reverence as the many golden years rest as a crown upon her 
aged head. In early life Mrs. Patrick purchased and brought to Urbana 
a sewing machine, and it is worthy of particular mention that this was 
the first ever brought to this city. Her gentle character and noble 
attributes have endeared her to a wide circle of friends in the younger 
generations, as also was true in her own, and the years have rested 
lightly upon her and have been crowned with love and esteem, as is 
most justly due. 



WILLIAM J. ABBOTT. 

William J. Abbott, a farmer and representative citizen of Con- 
curd township. Champaign county, and one of the leading farmers of the 
county, is numbered among Ohio's native suns, for his birth occurred 
in Shelby county, January [3, 183(1. His paternal grandfather, Will- 
iam Abbott, was a native of Pennsylvania and in pioneer days took up 
his abode in Shelby county, Ohio, taking an active part in the work 




TftLsteJtfir 




CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 169 

of improvement ami progress there. His political support was given 
the Whig party. His son, James Abbott, the father of our subject, was 
a native of Pennsylvania, but when a boy left the Keystone state and 
came with his parents to Ohio, the family settling in Shelby count}-, 
where he was reared, acquiring his education in the district schools. 
He was married there to Susan Schlusser, a native of Shelby county, 
reared and educated within its borders. Her death occurred about four 
years after her marriage in 1839 and in 1S40 the father was again 
married, removing thence to- Champaign county in 1845, ms home being 
in Johnson township. There he remained until his death, which oc- 
curred in 1853. Unto the parents of our subject were born two chil- 
dren, the younger being John, who is now deceased. The second wife 
was Matilda Beach, a native of Shelby couuty, while her parents were 
natives of Virginia. There were six children born of this union, of 
whom three have passed away. All of the number were born in Cham- 
paign county with one exception. 

William J. Abbott acquired the greater part of his education in 
this county, completing his studies when twenty-one years of age. He 
engaged in teaching school for twelve years, first in Shelby county and 
afterward in Champaign county. He hail begun his work as an edu- 
cator before he completed his own education. At length he turned 
his attention to farming, renting a tract of land in 1864 and in 187 J 
removed to the farm of James D. Powell, which was his place of resi- 
dence until 1877. With the capital he had thus acquired through his in- 
dustry and economy he purchased a farm of eighty acres and made 
most of the improvements thereon, ditching, draining and clearing the 
land of timber. He remained thereon until 1883 and then came to' his 
present home in Concord township. He makes a specialty of stock 
raising and in his business affairs is meeting with creditable and de- 
served success. 
9 



170 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

Mr. Abbott was married in Champaign county, in 1858, to Emily 
V. Compton, who was born in Virginia but became a resident of Cham- 
paign county when twelve years of age. Her father had died in the 
Old Dominion, after which her mother removed with her children to 
Ohio. The family are all now deceased with the exception of Mrs. 
Abbott. Unto our subject and his wife have been born five sons and 
five daughters, all natives of Champaign county, namely: Charles M., 
who is engaged in the clothing business in Chicago. Illinois; John H., 
at home: Anna, who is the wife of Walter S. Wilson, a farmer of 
Champaign county, Minnie A., the wife of Dr. W. H. Hinkle: Emma 
Maude, the wife of D. H. Taylor, a farmer of Champaign count)- ; 
Oma J., the wife of Dr. C. E. Stadler of West Cairo. Ohio; Ora M., 
the wife of Frank J. Barger of Champaign county: and Chester P., at 
home. Two of the sons died in infancy. 

Mr. Abbott has served as township clerk for a number of years 
and in his political affiliations is a Republican, taking an active and 
helpful interest in the work of the party. Both he and his wife are 
members of the Concord Methodist Episcopal church and their labors 
have contributed to its upbuilding and growth. Mr. Abbott is a rep- 
resentative farmer, whose progressive methods, unremitting diligence 
and resolute purpose have been salient features in his success, enabling 
him to win a place among the substantial men of his community. He 
now farms two hundred and seventy-eight acres and is one of the lead- 
ing farmers of Champaign county. Since 1882 he has. in addition to 
his own land, been cultivating the Oliver Taylor farm. 



HARRISON CRAIG. 

The subject of this sketch occupies a position of prominence in 
connection with the industrial activites of Champaign count)-, of which 
he is a native son, and he is recognized as one of the representative 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 171 

and progressive business, men of the thriving city of Urbana. where lie 
In ilds the dual office of secretary and manager of the Urbana Egg Case 
Company, whose enterprise is one of the must extensive of the sort in 
the Union. 

In the agnatic line Mr. Craig is of stanch Scottish lineage, as the 
name implies, while on the maternal side the genealogy is of German 
origin. He was horn in the city of Urbana on the 23d of August, 1847, 
being the son of William B. and Indiana (Hess) Craig, the former of 
whom was born in Berkeley county, Virginia (now West Virginia), and 
the latter in Champaign county, Ohio, whither her father, Jacob Hess, 
removed from Hillsboro, Kentucky, and became one of the pioneer 
settlers in Champaign county, where he devoted his life to agricultural 
pursuits. The father of our subject was reared and educated in the 
Old Dominion state, but when a lad of thirteen years he severed the 
home ties and came to Zanesville, Ohio, where he remained until he had 
attained his legal majority, when he came to Champaign county, where 
he was engaged in farming during the residue of his active and useful 
lift, being successful in his efforts and being honored as one of the ster- 
ling citizens of the county. His death occurred in 1886, at the age of 
sixty-eight years, and his widow still resides on the old homestead farm 
in Harrison township. Of their union were born six sons and three 
daughters, of whom all are living, the subject of this review being the 
eldest of the family. 

Though born in Urbana, as has been noted, Harrison Craig was 
reared to the sturdy discipline of the old farm, while to the public schools 
of the locality and period he is indebted for the early educational privi- 
leges which were accorded him. In 1870 he was united in marriage to 
Miss Alary M. Baker, and they took up their abode on a farm in Har- 
rison township, where he was successfully engaged in agricultural pur- 
suits for a score of vears. 



172 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

In the year 189.1 Mr. Craig took up his residence in the city of 
Urbana, where lie was one of the organizers of the Urbana Egg Case 
Company, of which he became secretary and manager, having ever since 
retained the incumbency and having been one of the prime factors in 
the building up of the large and important business of the company,, 
whose operations are now of wide scope, making the enterprise one of 
marked value in connection with the industrial activities of this section. 
The other members of the executive corps are W. R. Ross, who is 
president and treasurer; and H. N. Kirby, who holds the office of vice- 
president. In politics Mr. Craig is independent, and while taking proper 
interest in public affairs of a local nature he has never sought the honors 
or emoluments of public office. He and his wife are members of the 
First Methodist Episcopal church. They have six children, namely : 
Minnie L., Claude C. Mamie G., Ethel A., Grace G. and Chauncv D. 



HEXRY C. PEARCE, A. M.. M. D., Ph. D. 

Henry Clay Pearce, who for a number of years has been actively 
engaged in medical practice in Ohio, is one of the representative mem- 
bers of the profession in this section of the state. He has ever stood 
as the champion of progress, and his influence has been exerted at all 
times on the side of right and truth. The Doctor was born in Union 
township, Champaign county, April 10, 1833, a son of Hjarvey C. and 
Beulah (Barrett) Pearce, also natives of this county. The father, who 
was born in 1805, was called to his final rest in 1891, and the mother 
passed away in death in 1885, at the age of seventy-six years. The 
former was a son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Collins) Pearce, and 
Thomas Pearce was a hero of the American Revolution. He removed 




J^ £<3W«~- Th.,2. 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 175 

from New York to Maryland, and in a very early day came to Ohio. 

The mother of our subject was a daughter of Captain Abner Barrett, a 
■soldier in the war of 1S12, and he, too, was among the very early 
settlers in Champaign county. In his early life Harvey C. Pearce fol- 
lowed agricultural pursuits, but for many years thereafter was a prom- 
inent shoe merchant of Urbana. In political matters he was a Whig, 
and for several years while residing in Union township he served as 
a justice of the peace. Both he and his wife were members of the 
Methodist Episcopal church, and they lived consistent, Christian lives, 
while for many years he was a local minister and did effective work in 
the cause of his Master. This worthy couple became the parents of 
eight children, namely: Henry Clay, of this review; Lucas E.. de- 
ceased; Abner B.. a resident of Champaign county: John \\\. of Chi- 
cago; William Raper and Mary E., both deceased: Richard S., of Ur- 
bana; and Harvey C, deceased. 

Dr. Henry C. Pearce received his elementary education in the com- 
mon schools of the neighborhood. At the age of twenty years he be- 
gan the study of medicine, first under the preceptorship of Dr. Carter, 
of Urbana. and afterward with Dr. Dawson, while still later he became 
a student in the Starling Medical College, in which institution he was 
graduated in 1863. For five years previous to his graduation he had 
practiced his chosen profession at Mutual. Champaign county, and since 
1864 he has been numbered among the leading medical practitioners 
of Urbana. From 1866 until 1874 he served as professor of physiology 
and microscopic histology in the Starling Medical College, of Columbus, 
Ohio, was the founder and trustee of the Columbus Medical College, 
and from 1874 for a period of seventeen years was professor of ob- 
stetrics and surgical diseases of women in the Columbus Medical Col- 
lege, retiring from the latter position on account of failing health. He 
has long been a member of the Ohio State Medical Society and of the 



176 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

American Medical Association, and in 1866 was made surgeon by the 
Pennsylvania Railroad Company, a position which he has since contin- 
uously held, covering a period of longer service with the company in 
that capacity than any other surgeon. For nineteen years the Doctor 
was a member of the school board of Urbana, the cause of education 
ever finding in him a warm friend, and for over fifty years he has been a 
worthy member of the Methodist church. 

In 1854 Dr. Pearce was united in marriage to Sarah Jane Morgan, 
but she was called to the home beyond in 1872, leaving four children, — 
Laura Etta, the wife of C. E. Macher, of Piqua, Ohio; Ella, who be- 
came the wife of George E. Lee. and is now deceased; Charles W., of 
Urbana; and Henry M. A daughter also died in infancy. In 1873 
the Doctor was a second time married, Binnie A. Keller becoming his 
wife. She is a daughter of William Keller, an old and prominent resi- 
dent of Urbana, who at one time served as mayor of the city. Unto this 
union were born two children, — Frank C, a physician of Edith. Ten- 
nessee, and a graduate of the Tennessee Medical College, of Knox- 
ville ; and William K, a promising young man who died at the age 
of twenty-two years. The Doctor is both a Knight Templar and Scot- 
tish Rite Mason. 

Henry M. Pearce, a son of Dr. Henry Clay Pearce, was born and 
reared in Urbana, the date of his birth being December 20, 1868. His 
early education was received in the public schools of this city, and 
after completing his studies therein he began preparation for the med- 
ical profession under his father's direction. In 1867 he entered the 
Starling Medical College, of Columbus, in which he was graduated on 
the 4th of March, 1890, and, associated with bis father, he has since 
followed the practice of his chosen profession in Urbana. He is a mem- 
ber of the Ohio State Medical Society, of the Champaign County Med- 
ical Society, of the American Medical Association, and since the begin- 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 177 

nirig of his professional career has served as surgeon for the Pennsyl- 
vania Railroad Company. For eleven years he served his county as 
its physician and is now the city health officer. He is a Republican in 
politics, a Knight Templar Mason and a member of the Methodist 
Episcopal church. In 1890 Dr. Henry M. Pearce was united in marriage 
to Anna M. Sleffel, a native of Australia, and they have two children, — 
Linda Etta and Edwin Claw 



EDGAR G. BAXTA. 

Among the young men of Urbana whose records partake of the 
remarkable by reason of brilliant successes achieved is Edgar S. Banta., 
a gentleman of splendid ability, of keen discernment and unfaltering 
enterprise and yet one whose success has been so worthily achieved that 
there is not a blot on his record. He was born in Urbana, November 
30, 1871, and is a son of John A. and Emma R. (Geiger) Banta His 
father was a native of New York and in the early 'fifties came to Cham- 
paign county. Our subject was born and reared in his native city, and 
acquired his early literary education in the public schools, being grad- 
uated on the completion of a high school course in 1888. He then 
pursued a general course in the Urbana University and his law studies 
were pursued under the direction of his grandfather, Judge Levi Geiger, 
and Grant V. Fromme. In June, 1893. he was admitted to the bar and 
at once opened an office, where, by close application to business, by care- 
ful preparation of his cases and by a thorough understanding of legal 
principles, he has built up an enviable reputation. He has made a 
specialty of patent law and is thoroughly informed in this department' 
of jurisprudence. Prior to his admission to the bar Mr. Banta estab- 



178 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

lished what is now one of the largest fire underwriting agencies of the 
county. His first company was the American Central of St. Louis. A 
few months after establishing his agency he formed a partnership with 
his uncle, Charles L. Geiger. which continued until the latter's death in 
January, 1895. Rapid progress was made along this line of business, 
the number of companies increasing from one to seven, representing a 
capital of over eleven million dollars, the following old, reliable and 
well known companies now comprising the agency : Phenix Insurance 
Company of New York ; St. Paul Fire and Marine, Minnesota ; Glens 
Falls Insurance Company of New York; Girard Fire and Marine In- 
surance Company of Philadelphia ; Reliance Insurance Company of 
Philadelphia; German Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburg; the North 
German Fire Insurance Company of New York; and the Delaware 
Insurance Company. Mr. Banta has also adde 1 the life, accident and 
employers' liability branches to his insurance business and represents the 
leading companies of America in these lines. He is now the senior 
member of the firm of Banta & Spahr, Ohio managers for the Illinois 
Life Insurance Company. Mr. Banta also represents, as attorney and 
special agent, the Indemnity Savings and Loan Company of Cleveland, 
the capital stock of which is ten million dollars, and in this connection 
has done a large amount of business. He also negotiates real estate 
transfers and his activity in this direction has contributed not a little to 
business prosperity in Urbana. A man of resourceful business ability, 
he carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes, 
and his efforts have been so persistently directed along well defined lines 
of labor that he has met with splendid success. 

In 1898 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Banta and Miss Alberta 
A. Spahr, a daughter of the Rev. A. N. Spahr, a former minister of the 
Grace Methodist Episcopal church. Socially he is identified with the 
Harmonv Lodge, No. 8. F. & A. M. He gives his political support to 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 179 

the Republican party and as a citizen is deeply interested in everything 
pertaining- to the public welfare and progress. His business methods 
are of interest to all, because of the brilliant success he has achieved, 
and yet his prosperity has been won along the lines of old and time-tried 
maxims. He has placed his dependence in industrial perseverance and 
a careful outlook over the future and these qualities have been the im- 
portant elements in his career. 



CHARLES A. OFFEXBACHER, M. D. 

On the roll of the able and honored members of the medical frater- 
nity in Champaign county is to be found the name of the subject of this 
sketch, and he is established in practice in St. Paris, where he has at- 
tained high prestige in his profession and built up a large and representa- 
tive business, being a close student of medical and surgical science and 
having thoroughly fortified himself for the practice of the same. A re- 
view of his life is consistently incorporated in this volume, and it is the 
more consonant from the fact that he is a native son of Champaign 
county. 

Dr. Offenbacher. as the name indicates, is of German lineage, 
though the family has long been identified with the annals of American 
history. He was born on a farm in Jackson township. Champaign coun- 
ty, on the 9th of December, 1845. being a son of Aaron and Mary 
(Alexander) Offenbacher, his father having been a native of Virginia, 
whence he emigrated to Ohio in the early '40s, locating in Johnson town- 
ship, Champaign county, where he devoted the remainder of his life to 
agricultural pursuits. He was twice married, and his first wife died 
shortly after the removal to Ohio, having been the mother of eight chil- 



1S0 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

dren, all of whom are now deceased. Mr. Offenbacher subsequently 
married Miss Mary Alexander and they became the parents of three chil- 
dren. — the Doctor and Amanda, who is the wife of James Hone, of De- 
graff. Logan county. Aaron Offenbacher died on the ist of January. 
1859, and his second wife was summoned into eternal rest on the 6th 
■ if April, 1895. 

The subject of this sketch received his preliminary educational dis- 
cipline in the district schools of his native township, and so applied him- 
self to his studies and had such distinct powers of assimilation that he 
became eligible for pedagogic honors, giving inception to his career as a 
teacher when eighteen years of age and thereafter devoting his attention 
to this line of work during a period of six years, in Champaign, Miami 
and Shelby counties, and being very successful in his work. It was but 
natural that a man of such distinct individuality should early form 
definite plans for a future career, and thus we find that in the midst of 
his duties as a teacher he began reading medicine under the direction of 
Dr. M. V. Speece, of (Juincy, Logan county, who was his preceptor dur- 
ing the entire course of his preliminary technical study. The Doctor was 
dependent upon his own resources in thus preparing himself for his pro- 
fession, and had the good judgment to so husband his means as to be able 
to continue his work under the best of conditions, since he finally was 
matriculated in the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery, where he 
completed the prescribed course, being duly graduated as a member of 
the class of 1870 and receiving his coveted degree of Doctor of Medicine. 
Six months after his graduation Dr. Offenbacher entered upon the active 
practice of his profession in the village of Spring Hills, this state, and 
there be built up a large and lucrative practice, continuing his residence 
there for a period of twelve years, within which time he failed to respond 
to only three calls, his devotion to his profession having ever been of 
the most unequivocal order, while his humanitarian spirit has prompted 



CEXTEXXIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 181 

him to never refuse to minister to those afflicted, no matter what their 
station in life. In 1883 the Doctor came to Saint Paris, where he has 
since devoted himself to the demands of his practice, which has been 
cumulative in character from the beginning and which is of the mi »st 
representative order. He keeps in close touch with the advances made 
in all branches of his profession, and in 1897 took a special post-graduate 
course in the Chicago Polyclinic, while two years later he took a special 
course in clinics under Dr. H. H. DePew, a representative specialist 
residing in Chicago. For the past three years our subject has been giving 
special attention to the treatment of hemorrhoids and hernia, having made 
a careful study of these diseases and the most effective methods of treat- 
ment, and having been particularly successful in the handling of cases of 
the sort. As a specialist in these lines he has attained a high reputation, 
and his services are in requisition on the part of many from outside the 
normal confines of his professional field of labor. 

Dr. Offenbacher has always taken a lively interest in local affairs 
of a public nature, and his political allegiance is given to the Democratic 
party, minus the whisky element. During a decade of the twelve years 
of his residence in Spring Hills he served as a member of the board of 
education, and since locating in St. Paris he has been incumbent of a 
similar position for seven years, while for two years he has been clerk 
of the municipal corporation. Fraternally he is identified with the In- 
dependent Order of Odd Fellows, being a member of St. Paris Lodge, 
Xo. 246. Russell Encampment, Xo. 141, and having passed all the official 
chairs in the subordinate body. 

On the nth of August, 1870, Dr. Offenbacher was united in mar- 
riage to Miss Sarah C. Smoot, a native of Shelby county, and they have 
four children, namely: Minnie, who is the wife of Franklin Clem: ami 
Tames V., Charles F. and William E. The family are prominent in the 



1 82 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

social life of the community and the Doctor is held in the highest esteem 
by all who know him, while recognized as one of the representative 
physicians and surgeons of the state. 



THOMAS A. COWGILL. 

The name of Captain Thomas A. Cowgill stands conspicuously 
forth on the pages of Ohio's political history. He was born near Ken- 
nard. Champaign county, July 31, 1840. The Cowgills came from Eng- 
land to America on the ship with William Perm, locating first in Dela- 
ware and afterward made their way to Virginia. In the latter com- 
monwealth. Thomas Cowgill, the grandfather of our subject, was born 
and there reared and married. In 1800 he took up his abode in Colum- 
biana county, Ohio, where he followed farming and blacksmithing until 
181 7 and in that year came to Champaign county. He was a Quaker 
in his religious belief, and in that faith died in 1846. He donated the 
ground on which the Mount Carmel church was built.. 

Henry Cowgill, the father of our subject, was born in Columbiana 
county, Ohio, in 1801, and in 1817 came with his parents to Cham- 
paign county. His death here occurred in 1870. at the age of sixty-nine 
years. He, too. was a member of the Friends' church. For his wife 
he chose Anna Marmora, who was born in North Carolina in 1S01. 
Her father, Martin Marmon, was also a native of North Carolina and 
was a farmer by occupation. In 1805 he took up his abode in Logan 
county. Ohio, locating near what is now Zanesheld, where he improved 
a large farm. He took an active part in the organization of the county, 
and for many years served as its treasurer. The Marmon family were 
originally Huguenots, and thev left their southern, home on account 






£S^^O 




CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 185 

of the slavery question. Unto Mr. and Airs. Cowgill were born eleven 
children, nine daughters and two sons, and all but two of the daughters 
grew to years of maturity, while six of the number are still living : 
Eliza, the wife of Edwin L. Carrol, of Adell, Iowa; Susan M., the widow 
of William M. Mead, of Salina, Kansas; Samuel, of Salem township. 
Champaign county ; Electa and Cynthia, who are still unmarried ; and 
Thomas A., the subject of this review. Those who have passed away are 
Angelina, Martha A. Morgan, Sarah Pellett and two who died in child- 
hood. 

Thomas A. Cowgill was born on the farm on which he still re- 
sides. His youth was spent as a student in the primitive log school 
houses of the period and in assisting his father in the work of the home 
farm. In 1862 he enlisted for service in the Civil war, becoming a> mem- 
ber of Company E, Ninety-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, of which he 
became captain, and with his command he served as a brave and loyal 
soldier for two years, on the expiration of which period he was dis- 
charged on account of ill health. During his military career he served 
in many of the principal battles of the war, including that of Vicks- 
burg. Receiving an honorable discharge in 18G4, he then returned 
to the old home farm, where he remained until 1807, and in that year, 
in company with J. B. Thomas, he erected an elevator at Kennard and 
engaged in the grain business. In 1875 he was first elected to the 
house of representatives, becoming a member of the sixty-second gen- 
eral assembly, in which he served as chairman of the committee on 
agriculture and also on other important committees. His services were 
so satisfactory to his constituents that they secured for him a renomina- 
tion without any opposition. Re-elected in 1877, he became a member 
of the sixty-third general assembly, which proved to be the most un- 
savory in the history of the state, mainly by reason of the fact that the 
house of representatives contained but thirty-nine Republicans to seventy- 



1 86 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

one Democrats. Realizing their helplessness in the face of this powerful 
majority, at the beginning of the term the Republican members held a 
consultation, which resulted in a unanimous agreement to commit the en- 
tire political and parliamentary management of the minority to the judg- 
ment and discretion of Hon. Peter Hitchcock, the veteran member from 
Geauga, ami Mr. Cowgill. It is safe to say that no minority ever did 
such effective work, not only for the party but for sound legislation also, 
as did that of the sixty-third. So well were Mr. Cowgill's judgment, tact 
and parliamentary skill appreciated by his political brethren that be- 
fore the clase of that session he was assured that in the event of his 
return and the house being Republican, he would be their candidate 
for speaker. The Republicans of this county were swift to recognize 
the excellent record, and he was accordingly renominated, witli sub 
stantially no opposition, for a third term, an unprecedented proceed- 
ing in old Champaign county, two terms in succession having been 
awarded to but three of his predecessors. Elected in 1879 by an in- 
creased majority, upon the organization of the sixty-fourth general as- 
sembly. January 3. 1880, he was elected its speaker, his competitor being- 
General John S. Jones, of Delaware, formerly a member of congress 
from the ninth district. Of Mr. Cowgill's administration of the duties 
of the high office of speaker, the first member ever elevated to that sta- 
tion from his section of the state, it is necessary only to say that it was 
eminently satisfactory, as the unanimous vote of thanks tendered him 
at the close of each session abundantly testified. No appeal was ever 
uttered against his decisions, nor were his rulings ever seriouslv ques- 
tioned. 

In 1885 Mr. Cowgill was requested to be again a candidate for the 
legislature, and was accordingly nominated and elected for the fourth 
time by the largest majority ever given for that office 'in the county. 
Soon after the organization of the sixtv-seventh general assembly 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 187 

charges of bribery and corruption in connection with tbe election of 
the United States senator were alleged against three members of the 
house. Mr. Cowgill was strongly urged by the leading Republicans to 
offer a resolution of inquiry as to their truthfulness. He did so, and 
was made chairman of what became known as the "Payne Investiga- 
tion," in many respects the most celebrated in the history of the state. 
In 1887 Mr. Cowgill was nominated for senator by the Republican 
senatorial convention which convened at Springfield for the eleventh 
district, and at the election received the highest plurality ever given a 
nominee for that office in this now widely known senatorial district. 
His services in the Ohio senate were laborious and conspicuous. He 
was an active member of the joint legislative committee on "constitu- 
tional revision," which formulated the proposed amendments to the con- 
stitution voted upon at the last election, and was also chairman of the 
committee on penitentiaries, universities and colleges. As will be seen 
he served ten years in the general assembly of Ohio, and it is worthy of 
remark that this length of service has been equalled by but two men now 
living. ex-Senator Ford, of Geauga, and ex-Senator Reed, of R'oss, 
neither of whom was ever speaker of the house. For eleven years he 
has served as a trustee of the Ohio State University, for four years of 
which time ex-President R. B. Hayes was a member of the university 
board, and for a few years has been president of its board of trustees. 
He was made a delegate to the Republican state convention at Colum- 
bus, which nominated the state delegates for the election of Abraham 
Lincoln, and this was the beginning of his political career. While 
Captain Cowgill does not desire further conferment of office he is as 
much alive to-day to the best interests and work of the party in the state 
as he has ever been. It is safe to say, that as long as life continues the 
Captain will be politically alive and abreast of the times in state politics. 
Since [892 Mr. Cowgill has lived in quiet retirement at his pleas- 



1 88 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

ant home near Kennanl. where he owns a fine homestead of three hun- 
dred and fifty acres. In former years he was largely engaged in the 
stock business, and has also served as a trustee for many large estates. 
He is a man of strong mentality, keen discernment, great tact and reso- 
lute purpose, and was therefore well fitted for the political honors con- 
ferred upon him. His business interests have also been capably man- 
aged and have brought to him the handsome competence which to-day 
enables him tO' live retired. He commands the respect of his fellow men 
by his sterling worth, and Ohio numbers him among her honored sons. 



JACOB McMORRAN. 

That Jacob McMorran is one of the leading and influential citizens 
of Champaign county and that he enjoys in a high degree the confi- 
dence of his fellow townsmen is indicated by the fact that he has been 
called to serve in many public offices in this locality. He was for six 
years county commissioner and proved most capable in that position, 
exercising his franchise prerogatives in support of all measures which 
he believed would contribute to the general good. He is now living 
retired in Saint Paris, having formerly been connected with the grain 
trade there. 

Mr. McMorran was born in Jackson township, Champaign county, 
on the 15th of June, 1833. His father, Samuel McMorran, was a na- 
tive of Rockingham, Pennsylvania, while the paternal grandfather, 
James McMorran, was a native of Scotland. Taking up his abode in 
Pennsylvania, he there died when his son Samuel was about eight years 
of age. His wife was a native of Ireland and was of Scotch-Irish de- 
scent. Samuel McMorran was reared in Pennsylvania, and New York, 
and when a young man came to Champaign county. He started out to 
earn his own living when about twelve years of age and nine years 



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CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 191 

later took up his abode in Ohio, locating first in Dayton. He was 
employed as a farm hand in that locality or working at anything that 
he could get to do that would yield to him an honest living. He was 
married in Dayton and then came to Champaign county, settling in 
Millerstown. As the years passed he prospered in his business under- 
takings and became a leading and active citizen of his community. 
He was honored with a number of local offices and gave his political sup- 
port first to the Whig party and afterward to the Republican party. He 
voted in Johnston township when there were about thirty Whig votes 
and two hundred Democratic votes. He held membership in the Mis- 
sionary Baptist church, taking an active interest in its work, and his 
support was ever given to every measure which he believed would pro- 
mote the progress and welfare of his community. He lived to the age 
of eighty-seven years. His wife, who in her maidenhood was Barbara 
Ueaston, was born in Virginia, and when about twelve years of age 
came with her parents to Ohio, the family settling near Hamilton. Her 
father was a native of Germany and when a young man crossed the 
Atlantic to the new world. Mrs. McMorran died when about seventy- 
four years of age. By her marriage she had become the mother .if 
the following named: John, James, Christopher, Samuel, Jacob and 
Eliza. 

Jacob McMorran was the youngest son and is the only survivor 
of the family. He was reared within one mile of Saint Paris and at 
the usual age entered the district schools where he became familiar 
with those branches of learning which serve as a foundation of all suc- 
cess in life. As a companion and helpmate for life's journey he chose 
Miss Mahala Boswell, the wedding being celebrated mi the 6th of No- 
vember, 1853. The lady is a native of this county and a daughter 
<>t David and Nancy (Colbert) Boswell, who were early and honored 



10 



192 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

pioneer settlers of Champaign county. The former came from Ken- 
tuck}- and the latter from Virginia. 

Fi r three years after his- marriage Mr. McMorran resided upon 
the 'Id farm homestead and then located in Saint Paris. Subsequently 
he spent six years in Woodford count}-, Illinois, where he was engaged 

in farming and on the expiration of that period returned to Ohio, set- 
tling in Samt Paris, where he engaged in the grain trade for many 

years, handling a large quantity of grain annually, his sales bringing 
to him a comfortable competence. When elected county commissioner 
in [884 he turned the grain business over to his sons, John and Grant, 
who have since continued it with good success. Mr. McMorran served 
so capably in the office that he was re-elected in 1887 and continued 
in the position for six years, a most worthy and faithful incumbent. 
He has also been treasurer of Johnson township and a member 1 f the 
council of the village of Saint Paris. In politics he has ever been a stanch 
Republican from the organization of the party. He voted for Fremont, 
its first candidate, and in iqoo his support was given to William Mc- 
Kinley. Socially he is connected with the Masonic fraternity and is 
a member of the Baptist church, of which Mrs. McMorran has also 
been a member for more than fifty years. His life has ever been as 
an open book, which all may read. Flis entire career will hear investi- 
gation and throughout the years of his manhood he has been found 
an earnest champion of improvement and progress along social, intel- 
lectual and moral lines. 



enoch Mccarty. 



Throughout his entire life F.noch McCarty has been a resident of 
Champaign county and for many years was accounted one of her leading, 
influential and progressive business men. but he is now living in quiet re- 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 193 

tirement, his labor in former years having enabled him to lay aside active 
cares. He was burn on the farm on which lie now resides, on the 1 ith 
of January. 1833. His father, Stephen McCarty, was a native of Vir- 
ginia, and in Loudoun county of that state was united in marriage to 
Deborah Thompson, who also claimed the Old Dominion as the state of 
her nativity, and after the birth of two of their children they came to 
Ohio, locating near Zanesville. Later they took up theirabode in Goshen 
township, Champaign county, and two years afterward bought the 
farm on which cur subject now resides, their first residence here being a 
little log cabin, which during the first summer contained but a dirt floor. 
The land was then in its primitive condition, not a stick of timber having 
been cut, and everything was new and wild. As the years passed by, 
however, Mr. McCarty succeeded in placing his land under a tine state 
of cultivation, and on this farm both he and his wife spent their remain- 
ing days, the former passing away at the age of eighty-six years, while 
the latter was called to her final rest at the age of seventy-six years. 
They became the parents of six children, namely: Elizabeth Ann, de- 
cease 1 ; Tames, who prior to his death was one of the representative citi- 
zen- 1 f Champaign canity: John, also deceased: Daniel, a resident of 
Auglaize county, Ohio: Enoch, of this review: and Thomas, who died 
when young. In an early day Mr. McCarty voted with the Whig party, 
and after the organization of the Republican party he joined its ranks 
and afterward remained loyal to its principles. He was a public-spirited 
and progressive citizen, manifesting a commendable interest in everything 
pertaining to the public welfare, and his honorable record wen him the 
confidence and respect of the entire community. 

Enoch McCarthy, of this review, has spent his entire life on the 
farm on which be now resides, and in his youth was a student in the 
primitive log schoi 1 hi use of the neighborhood, which he attended about 
three months during the year, the remainder 1 if his time having been -pent 



194 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

in assisting his father in the work of the home farm. In 1864 lie enlisted 
for service in the Civil war, entering- Company D, One Hundred and 
Thirty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for one hundred days, and on 
the expiration of that period received an honorable discharge at Colum- 
bus. Ere leaving for the war, in 1864, Mr. McCarty was united in mar- 
riage to Miss Rebecca Jane Morgan, a native of Wayne township. Cham- 
paign county, ( >hio, and a daughter of Abel Morgan, one of the prom- 
inent pioneers of that township. Two children have graced this marriage. 
— Louisa, the wife oi J. W. Ratchford, a railroad employe in Saint 
1'ai is. Ohio, and John S.. who married Susan Cushman and resides on the 
oli] homestead. Throughout his entire business career our subject has 
devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits, and the community has long 
numbered him among its representative citizens. His homestead con- 
tains three hundred and twenty-four acres of rich and fertile land, and all 
of the improvements thereon stand as monuments to his thrift and ability. 
Since the 1 irganizatii in 1 if the Republican party he has given a stanch sup- 
port to its principles, his first presidential vote having been cast in 1856, 
and he supported Lincoln at both elections. He continues his old army 
associations through his membership in the Grand Army of the Republic, 
Harry Davis Post, Xo. — . at Woodstock, anil is also a member of the 
Independent Order of Odd Fellow s 1 if that city. He is a man of integrity, 
of firm convictions and marked fidelity to the duties of life, and Cham- 
paign county numbers him among her worthy sons. 



GEORGE A. TALBOTT. 

America owe- much of her progress and advancement to a posi- 
tion foremost among the nation- of the world to her newspapers, and in 
no line has the incidental broadening cut of the sphere of usefulness- 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 195 

been more marked than in this same line of journalism.'. In main of 
the smaller cities of the Union there have been enlisted in the newspaper 
field men of broad mental grasp, cosmopolitan ideas and notable business 
sagacity, and the hour has not yet arrived when it can be said that 
"country journalism" is ineffective or that its functions are exercised 
without vigor and marked influence. 

For more than a quarter of a century the subject of this review lias 
been identified with newspaper work in Urbana, Champaign county. 
Ohio, rising from the lowest position through all grades of mechanical, 
editorial and managerial duty and proving himself a valuable factor in 
each position occupied. It is interesting to note that he has during this 
long period been concerned in a single journalistic enterprise, though the 
sope of the same has been broadened from time to time to meet normal 
business exigencies and popular demands, and that his identification has 
been consecutive save for an interval when he withdrew to render service 
in an office of distinctive public trust and responsibility. He is now 
business manager of the Daily Citizen and Weekly Gazette, in the 
office of which he began his apprenticeship as a devotee of the "art 
preservative of all arts" in the year 1874. The propriety of incorpor- 
ating a review of his career in this work is manifest, since he is recog- 
nized as niie of the representative citizens and business men of the 
thriving city of Urbana. 

George A. Talbott is a native son of the Buckeye state, having been 
born in Barnesville, Belmont county, on the 8th of January. 1854, being 
the son of William A. and Rebecca C. Talbott, representatives of pioneer 
families of the state. He is indebted to the public schools of his native 
town for his early educational discipline, there continuing his studies 
until he had attained the age of sixteen years, when he entered the office 
of the Barnesville Enterprise. to> learn the printer's trade. It has been 
well said that a newspaper office offers a liberal education, and in the 



196 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

case of our subject it is evident that through this source he most effect- 
ively supplemented the training received in the schoolroom. In Oc- 
tober, 1874, Mr. Talbott came to Ufbana and secured a pi sition in the 
office of the old Citizen and Gazette, which was then a hebdomidal pub- 
lication, under the control of the venerable Joshua Saxton and William 
A. Brand. Of his rise an article previously published speaks as follows: 
"For twenty-two years he followed his chosen vocation, filling every, 
position from the bottom to the top. When the Daily Citizen was 
founded he was called from the case and made city editor, a position 
which he tilled until a year ago (1895), when he retired to enter upon 
his duties as a public official." The office mentioned was that of county 
treasurer, to whch he was elected in the year noted, giving a most 
capable and discriminating administration of the finances of the county 
and being chosen as his own successor in 1897, thus serving continuously 
for four years. Economy was brought about through his well directed 
efforts and lie retired from the office in 1900 with an enviable record. 
Mr. Talbott then became identified once more with the newspaper enter- 
prise to which he had given many years of service, and he is now busi- 
ness manager of the concern, being a stockholder of the company and 
handling its affairs with distinctive ability, making the siicces- of the 
enterprise cumulative in character. 

In his political proclivities Mr. Talbott is a stalwart Republican, 
and he has been an enthusiastic and effective worker in the cause of 
his party for many years. He was chairman of the Champaign county 
executive committee of the party from 189] to [894, both dates in- 
clusive, while in [893 and 1894 he was a member of the Republican 
slate central committee, ili- influence in the local political field has 
been marked, and he has ever taken an active interest in public affairs, 
aiding in every possible way all projects and enterprises advanced for 
the good of bis city and county. Fraternally be is identified with the 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 197 

Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Royal Arcanum, and his re- 
ligious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal denomination, both he 
and his wife being members of Grace church in their home city. 

On the 12th of April. 1877. was solemnized the marriage of Mr. 
Talbott to Miss Julia V. Ross, who was born in Urbana, the daughter 
of the late Philander B. Ross, one of the representative citizens of the 
count} - . Mr. and Mrs. Talbott have three children, — Frank. Stella and 
Bert. 



BARNET A. AUGHINBAUGH. 

There is an obscurity in the game of life that, to the robust mind, 
is always attractive. The uncertainty which must, perforce, ever exist 
augments rather than minifies individual incentive. To push forward 
to the goal of definite success is the one common impulse and ambition 
of humanity. But in this vast concourse of struggling competitors the 
number who achieve success is comparatively small, and the man who 
makes his life prolific and useful and who becomes independent and suc- 
cessful through the exercise of indomitable will, untiring energy and 
honesty of purpose, is assuredly deserving of a due measure of credit 
and the unqualified esteem of his fellow men. The subject of this re- 
view is numbered among the representative citizens and progressive 
business men of the citv of Urbana, with whose industrial activities he 
has been identified for nearly two score years, building up an enterprise 
1 f no inconsiderable scope and importance, winning success by his own 
efforts and gaining the confidence and good will of all with whom he 
has been thrown in contact. The records of such lives justify the com- 
pilation of works of this nature. 

From records extant it is evident that the Aughinhaugh family has 



i9» CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

been identified with the annals of American history from the colonial 
epoch, the original American ancestor having come hither from Germany 
and located in Pennsylvania, where several generations of the line have 
been born. Barnet Asbury Aughinbangh, the immediate subject of 
this review, is a native of the old Keystone state of the Union, having 
been born in the city of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, on the 19th of Oc- 
tober. 1 S37, the son of William and Lydia Ann (Deal) Aughinbangh, 
both of whom were born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, the 
former being a son of Barnet Aughinhaugh, who was likewise born fn 
the Keystone state, becoming one of the prominent and influential citi- 
zens of Cumberland county, where he held various positions of public 
trust and responsibility, retaining his 'residence in Carlisle for many 
years and there conducting a hotel. William Aughinbangh was reared 
and educated in the city of Carlisle and there learned the tinner's trade, 
to which he devoted his attention for a number of years. He was one 
of the California argonauts of 1849, making the long and perilous jour- 
ney to the new Eldorado in that memorable year and there devoting his 
attention to the mining of gold for nearly twenty years. He then re- 
turned tn the east and joined his family, who had removed to Cincin- 
nati. Ohio, about the year 1859, and later they removed thence to 
Illinois, where the husband and father died in the year 1867, at the age 
of fifty-six years. His widow eventually came to (Jrbana and was 
thereafter cared for with true filial solicitude in the home of her son, the 
subject of this sketch, until her death, in 1892, at the age of seventy-five 
year--. Of her seven children five survive. 

Barnet A. Aughinbangh received his early educational discipline in 
the public schools of his native state, the family having removed to Ship- 
pensburg when he was a lad of about ten years. He there served an 
apprentice-hip at the trade of carriage manufacturing, and thus laid the 
foundations for that successful business career which has been his in 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 199 

connection with this line of industry. After the completion of his three 
years' apprenticeship he was employed as a journeyman in various lo- 
calities, finally locating in the city of Cincinnati, where he was employed 
at his trade for a period of seven years. At the expiration of this time 
Mr. Aughinbaugh came to Urbana, in 1866, and here entered into part- 
nership with Aaron Heiserman, establishing a manufactory of fine car- 
riages and buggies and conducting business under the firm name of 
Heiserman & Aughinbaugh for six years, when the firm of Aughinbaugh 
& McConib was organized, and this alliance continued six years, while 
for an equal period were operations continued in turn under the firm 
names of Aughinbaugh & Baker Brothers and Aughinbaugh & Todd, 
and then our subject became sole proprietor of the enterprise, which he 
has ever since continued to conduct under his own name. He has a well- 
equipped factory, and the products of the same include the highest grade 
of lighter vehicles, a specialty being made of hand-made work and special 
designs being executed with the highest grade of workmanship and 
finish, thus giving the concern a reputation which is unassailable, forti- 
fied as it is by long years of straightforward and honorable dealing on 
the part of the proprietor, who has been consecutively identified with the 
enterprise from the time of its inception. In addition to the manufac- 
tory Mr. Aughinbaugh also- deals in vehicles manufactured by ether con- 
cerns, thus having various grades and being enabled to cater to all 
•demands in matters of price, style, etc., the repository and general head- 
quarters being located at 206 West Court street. Mr. Aughinbaugh 
cast his first vote in support of Abraham Lincoln for the presidency, and 
he has ever since been a stalwart Republican, though he has never taken 
an active part in political affairs and has never been an aspirant for 
office. Both he and his wife are members of the First Methodist Episco- 
pal church and both are highly esteemed in the social circles of the city 
where thev have made their home for so long- a term of years. 



200 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

In the year 1870 Mir. Aughinbaugh was united in marriage to Miss 
Jennie Clark, who was born in Virginia, the daughter of William Clark, 
who removed thence to Champaign county, Ohio, in 1848. Our sub- 
ject and his wife have no children. 



JOHN H. RUNYON. 

When it is stated that for more than ninety years the name of the 
subject of this memoir has been prominently identified with the history 
of Champaign county, the natural inference will come that he was a 
representative of one of its earliest pioneer families. He passed his 
entire life here, bearing and honoring an untarnished name, and his 
history forms a link between the primitive past and the modern days 
of prosperity and opulent privileges and improvement. He saw the 
county in the days when it seemed almost on the borders of civilization, 
— its land wild and uncultivated, its forests standing in their primeval 
strength, it- 1> g cabin homes widely scattered, and evidences of develop- 
ment few. In the work of progress, through which such marvelous 
change- have been wrought, he bore his part, as had his father before 
him, and he gained rank as one of the substantial and successful farm- 
ers oi his native county, honored for his sterling integrity of purpose 
and for all those attributes that make for string and noble manhood. 
Thus it becomes signally fitting that here be entered and perpetuated a 
mem. iir of his \vi irthy life. 

John II. Runyon was bom on the farm, in Union township, where 
his widow now maintains her home, the date of his nativity having 
been December 10. 1 S 1 7 . His father. Richard Runyon, was a native 
of New Jersey, whence he emigrated to Champaign county in 1801, 



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CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 203- 

tMe vear prior to the admission of Ohio to the Union. He located in 
the forest wilds of Union township, being one of the earliest settlers in 
that section, and here he reclaimed a portion of his land and became 
one of the founders and builders of the Buckeye commonwealth. He 
continued to reside on his pioneer farm until his death, at the age of 
ab ut three score years and ten. He married Betsy Sargent, who came 
to this county from Virginia, and they became the parents of eight 
children, of whom the subject of this memoir was the third in order 
of birth, his mother having passed away at the age of seventy-three 
years. John H. Runyon was early inured to the arduous work in- 
volved in the clearing and otherwise improving of the old homestead, 
where he was reared to years of maturity, his educational advantages 
being such as were afforded by the primitive subscription schorls which 
were precariously maintained by the early pioneers. His first presiden- 
tial vote was cast on his home farm, in support of William Henry Har- 
rison, his father having been justice of the peace at the time and a 
man of prominence in the community, his official position leading to 
the holding of the elections at his home, where, it may well be imagined, 
the facilities were few and the formalities slight, but no corruption or 
ballot-stuffing could ever fie charged against those honest and sterling 
pioneers, whose lives were simple and their manhood exalted. Our 
subject early took a prominent part in political affairs of a local nature, 
having been identified with the Whig party, and though his early ad- 
vantages were most meager he had an alert mentality, ami by reading 
and other personal application became a man of broad and exact infor- 
" mation. He assisted in the organization of the Republican party in 
this county and was a prominent factor in its affairs, having been for 
■'■ixteen years treasurer of Union township and for eight years o untj 
o mmissii ner, while f< r a long period he was a school director of his 
district, ever taking an active interest in all matters touching the gen- 



204 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

eral welfare and advancement of the community. His religious faith 
was that of the Presbyterian church and was a dominating factor in his 
life. He was one of those principally concerned in the erection of the 
Buck Creek church of this denomination, and for about a score of years 
held the office of deacon in the same, being one of its most zealous and 
devoted adherents. From the time of casting his first vote for Harrison, 
in 1840, until his death, he supported every presidential candidate of 
the Whig, and later the Republican party, his last ballot having been 
given in support of the lamented President McKinley, in 1900. He 
passed his entire life on the old homestead on which his father located 
in the early days, and here he made the best^of improvements and at 
the time of bis death left a valuable landed estate of two hundred and 
fifty-five acres. He passed away on the 4th of March, u)Oi, in the 
fulness of years and crowned with the honors which reward a life of 
usefulness and sterling integrity, his death being felt as a personal be- 
reavement by the people of the community where he had lived and 
.labored to such goodly ends. 

( )n the 6th of November, 1849, Mr. Runyon was united in mar- 
riage to Mi^s Mary H. Todd, who survives him and who maintains her 
abode in the home so hallowed by the memories and associations of the 
past. She was horn in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, on the 4th of 
Oct* ber, [822, being the daughter of Samuel and Nancy (Allen) Todd, 
both of whom were natives of that same county, where their marriage 
was solemnized. In 1840 they came to Champaign county, Ohio, and 
located near Buck Creek church, in Union township, and here the father 
died at the age of forty-six years, being survived by his widow for 
many years, and having been in her sixty-ninth year at the time of 
her death. They became the parents of eight children, of whom two 
survive, Mrs. Runyon having been the third in order of birth. She 
was all' mi seventeen years of age when the family came to Champaign 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 205; 

county, and here she lias ever since maintained her home, having the 
sincere esteem and friendship of the people of the community and being 
a devoted member of the church with which her husband was so long 
and prominently identified. She became the mother of two sons and 
one daughter, of whom R. Heber and Nancy A. are deceased. The 
surviving son. John X.. has control of the homestead farm and has re- 
mained a bachelor. 



JOHX j. AXDERSOX. 

Champaign county, Ohio, contributed to the federal armies many 
a brave and valiant soldier during that greatest of internecine and fra- 
tricidal conflicts, the war of the Rebellion, and among the honored vet- 
erans who remain t< > recall the incidents of the struggles on man}' a san- 
guinary battle-field, yet holding at bav that one invincible foe. death, 
which is fast disintegrating the noble ranks of the Grand Army of the 
Republic, stands the subject of this sketch, who was loyal t<> his country 
in her hour of peril and who has remained her loval supporter in the 
"piping times of peace." in which he has likewise won decisive victories. 
lie is numbered among the representative business men of Urbana and 
his high standing in the community entitles him to distinctive representa- 
tion in this compilation. 

Mr. Anderson is a native son of the Old Dominion state, having 
been born in Augusta county, \ irginia, on the 9th of March, 1835. the 
son of John and Fannie (Clark) Anderson. John Anderson, Sr., was 
born in the same county, on the 12th of December, 1788, being a son of 
James and Isabella ( King) Anderson, the former of whom was born 
in the beautiful Shenandoah valley of Virginia, in 1749. while his wife 
was a native of Pennsylvania, where she was born in 1758. James 
Anderson was a son of James, who was of Scotch-Irish lineage, having 



206 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

been born in Ireland, whither his parents had emigrated from Scotland 
in 1665. He emigrated to America in his youth and here married a Miss 
McLanehan. About the year [725 he went from Philadelphia, Pennsyl- 
vania, to the Shenandoah valley, Virginia, as the organizer of an ex- 
ploring party. He returned to his home and later removed with his fam- 
ily to this famous valley, being one of the first to make permanent set- 
tlement there. He was an active participant in many of the Indian con- 
flicts in the early days and he continued to reside in that section of Vir- 
ginia until his death. His son James, grandfather of our subject, served 
with distinction as a soldier in the war of the Revolution. His wife. 
Isabella, nee King, was a daughter of John and Isabella (Christian) 
King, who were of Scotch-Irish lineage. Fannie (Clark) Audi 
iim .ther of the subject of this review, was born in Clarke county. Virginia, 
on the 4th of .August, 1804, the daughter of Joseph and Mary ( Smith) 
Clark, both of whom were born in Maryland, the latter being a daughter 
of James Smith. John Reynolds, great-grandfather of our subject in 
the maternal line, was captain of the first company organized in Wash- 
ington county, Maryland, at the inception of the war of the Revolution, in 
which he served as captain in the Sixth Maryland Regiment of Volun- 
teers, and he met his death, at the hands of the Indians, in .March. 1700. 
on the Ohio river. His father. John Reynolds, came to America fro 
Ireland and the latter's father was born in England, the religious faith 
of the family being that of the Presbyterian church and of the rigid 
Scotch type. The wife of the last mentioned ancestor was of Scotch. 
ancestry, was bom in Ireland and was a member of the church oi Eng- 
land. They were married in the Emerald Isle, in 1681, and came to 
America in 1714. locating in Pennsylvania. 

John and Fannie (Clark) Anderson became the parents of the fol- 
lowing named children: Mary H.. deceased; James \Y.. to whom in- 
dividual reference is made on other pages of this work; George 1 ). ; 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 207 

I u C.j Isabella A., deceased; John J., subject of this sketch; X 
\V.. deceased : and Sarah M Norval \\ . was a Union soldier in the war 
of the Rebellion and was killed in the battle of Stone river, in 1863. The 
pa rents passed their entire lives in Virginia. 

John I. Anderson was reared and educated in his native state, where 
lie remained until he had attained his legal majority, when, on 1856, he 
. Line to Champaign county, Ohio, where he has ever since made his home. 
i [ere he devoted his attention to carpenter work until the outbreak of the 
war of the Rebellion, when his intrinsic loyalty and patriotism were 
quickened to definite action. On the 17th of April, 1861, he enlisted as 
a private in Company K, Second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and at the 
expirations oi his three months term he re-enlisted, becoming a member 
of Company G, Third Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, in which he served as a 
private until the close of the war, his service thus covering practicallv the 
entire period of this great civil conflict. Mr. Anderson participated in 
many of the most notable battles of the war. among which may be men- 
tioned the following: Bull Run, Bowling Green, siege of Corinth. Mun- 
fordville, Beardstown, Lexington. Chickamauga, McMinnville, Shelby- 
ville, Decatur, Moulton, Kenesaw Mountain. Vining Station. Peach Tree 
Creek, Lovejoy Station. Franklin (Tennessee), Selma (Alabama), 
I olumbus and Macon (Georgia), besides main- other skirmishes and 
gements. With his command he performed arduous and 
faithful service in supporting the Union cause, and his military record 
is that of a gallant son of the Republic, for he always evinced the In 
soldierly qualities, was ever found at the post of duty and bore uncom 
plainingly the hardships and vicissitudes which attended the pn gress of 
them ible civil war in the annals of history. At the battle 1 E Mur- 

boro Mr. Anderson received a gun-shot wound in his left 
1 from the effects of the same he was confined for a brief interval in 
the field h »spital. returning to his command at the end 1 if f< >ur weeks, and 



208 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

this being the only occasion on which he was incapacitated for duty dur- 
ing his long and faithful service. He received his honorable discharge at. 
Edgefield, Tennessee, on the 4th of August, 1865, victory having then 
crowned the Union arms. He retains a lively interest in his old comrades 
and this fraternal spirit finds definite manifestation in his identification 
with the Grand Army of the Republic. He is a prominent and popular 
member of \Y. A. Brand Post. No. 98, department of Ohio, and has held 
all the offices in this post. 

After the close of the war Mr. Anderson returned to Urbana, where 
he followed contracting and building until 187 J, in which year he was 
elected city marshal of Urbana, an office which he retained consecutively 
for a period of twelve years, proving a capable and popular official. After 
his retirement from this position Mr. Anderson engaged in business, his 
enterprise being the handling of coal, lime, brick and building material, 
and in this line his efforts have been attended with gratifying success, the 
business having shown a continuous growth and being one of the import- 
ant enterprises of the city. In politics he has ever given a stanch alle- 
giance to the Republican party, and fraternally, aside from his member- 
ship in the Grand Army of the Republic, he is identified with the Inde- 
pendent Order of Odd Fellows. He and his wife have been for many 
years zealous members of the First Methodist Episcopal church. 

At Urbana, on the iSth of September, 1868, Mr. Anderson was 
united in marriage to Miss Harriet E. Kimber, who was born in Miami 
county, Ohio, the daughter of Emor and Phoebe Kimber. Our subject 
and his wife have no children. 



HAMILTON MAGREW. 

Within the pages of this work will be found specific mention of 
many worthy and representative citizens who have passed their entire 
lives in Champaign county and whose memories link the pre>ent-day 









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CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 211 

prosperity and advanced position with the pioneer day- when the work 
of development was in progress or in its initial stages. One of the 
native sons of the county is Mr. Magrew, who is honored as a member 
of one of the sterling pioneer families of the county as well as for his 
own worthiness in all the relations of life. His finely improved farm- 
stead is located in section 11, Mad River township, where he has prac- 
tically passed his entire life and where he has been notably successful as 
an agriculturist and stock-grower. 

Mr. Magrew was born in the house where he now lives, the date of 
his nativity having been January 31, 1834. His father, Archibald Ma- 
grew, was born in Adams county, Pennsylvania, in 1792, and at the 
age of eighteen years he accompanied his parents on their removal to 
Champaign county, Ohio, locating in Mad River township, where the 
grandfather of our subject, Archibald Magrew. Sr.. took up a section 
of land (section 1 i ), the entire tract being still covered with the native 
forest trees. He made a clearing and erected a log cabin, and that 
continued to be his home until his death, at the patriarchal age of ninety- 
two years. As he came to this county in the year 1810. it will at once 
be seen that he was numbered among the early settlers in this section 
of the state. He was of Irish descent, and the name was originally 
spelled McGrew. The father of our subject assisted in the reclamation 
of the pioneer farm, and in Salem township, this county, was solemnized 
his marriage, after which he began his career as an independent farmer 
on the place now owned by bis son, the subject of this review. Here 
he passed the residue of his life, making the best of improvements on his 
farm and placing the same under effective cultivation, while he became 
recognized as one of the able and influential citizens of the county. In 
addition to his farming enterprise he was interested in the mercantile 
business in Urbana, where he also built what is known as the Magrew 
warehouse, and was for many years one of the leading grain dealers 



212 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

in the county, buying and shipping extensively, while lie also owned 
other valuable real estate in Urbana, including the building now utilized 
by Charles Ganson as a livery. In politics he was a Democrat and he 
served for a number of years as justice of the peace, while fraternally 
he was identified with the Masonic order. The maiden name of our 
subject's mother was Mary Taylor, and she was horn in Virginia, whence, 
as a child, she accompanied her parents on their removal to Champaign 
county. Her father. John Taylor, was likewise a native of the * >ld 1)' - 
minion state, and he became one of the early settlers in Champaign 
county, where he erected what was known as the Taylor mill, in what 
was then called Taylortown, in Salem township, the village now being 
known as Kingston. He carried on a successful gristmilling business 
there for many years and was succeeded by his son. The family is of 
German extraction. The father of our subject died at the age of sixty- 
eight years, bis wife long surviving him and passing away at the age 
of eighty-three years. They became the parents of five sons and five 
-daughters, and six of the number grew to years of maturity, while only 
two of the family are now living, — Caroline, who is the widow of Milton 
Fithian and who now maintains her home in Chicago, Illinois; and Ham- 
ilton, who was the youngest of the children and is the immediate subject 
of thi< sketch. 

Mr. Magrew was reared on the farm where lie now resides, and bis 
■early educational privileges were such as were am rded in the primitive 
log school house of the pioneer epoch, the same being' equipped with 
-lab scats, while the desks utilized were of slabs supported by pins driven 
into the log walls. Later be supplemented this training by a course of 
study in the academy at Urbana. After his school days be returned 
to tbe old homestead ami continued to. assist his father in carrying on 
the work pertaining thereto, ami after his marriage, in iN;N, be still 

;inied his residence in tbe house where be was born and which he 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 213 

still occupies, the same having been the home of four generations of 
the family, including his children. Here he has ever since continued 
to devote his attention to general farming and stock-raising, having 

made a specialty of the latter department of his industrial enterprise 
and having attained a high degree of success through his energetic ef- 
forts and marked business discrimination. He has made excellent im- 
provements on his farm, which comprises one hundred and ninety-one 
acres, and has placed the major portion of the farm under a high state 
of cultivation. The old homestead has been consecutively in the pos- 
session of the family from the time when the grandfather secured the 
land from the government in the early pioneer days, and in the three 
generations the representatives of the Magrew family have worthily 
contributed to the work of development and progress and have stood 
for the most sterling integrity of character, retaining the unqualified 
esteem of the community in which they have lived and labored to: so 
goodly ends. Mr. Magrew is a stockholder in the Citizens' National 
Bank of Urbana, and is also a member of its directorate. He at one 
time owned property in Fargo, North Dakota, and has traveled quite 
extensively through the northwest. In politics he has been an uncom- 
promising Democrat from the time of attaining his legal majority, and 
fi r fifteen years served as trustee of Mad River township. Fraternally 
be is one of the most prominent members of Magrew Lodge. No. 433, 
Knights of Pythias, which was named in honor of himself and his 
brother, the late Lemuel Magrew. -aid lodge having its headquarters in 
the village of Westville. 

I >r the 1st of November, [858, Mr. Magrew was united in mar- 
riage to Miss Elizabeth Snyder, who was born in thi- township April 
16, 1838, being the daughter of Daniel and Anna ( Kizer \ Snyder, who 
were early settlers in the county, Mrs. Mkgrew's grandparents, on the 
paternal side, having located in Champaign county a- early as 1806. 



2. 4 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

She received her educational training in the schools of Urbana and 
Springfield, this state, and is a woman of refinement and gracious pres- 
ence. Our subject and his wife became the parents of three children, 
namelv : Luella, the wife of William F. Ring, a prominent attorney 
i f Urbana and who is individually mentioned on another page of this 
work; Cyrus II. died at the age of fifteen year-: and Elizabeth II. re- 
mains at the parental home. The father of Mrs. Magrew died in Mad 
River township July 9, 1S70, at sixty-two years of age and the mother 
of Mrs. Magrew died in the same township March 22, 1881, having been 
horn in [810. The father was born in Virginia, as was also the mother. 
Daniel Snyder, Sr., the grandfather, was horn in Virginia in 1785, 
and died in Mad River township in [849. The grandmother was Bar- 
bara 1 I'ence ) Snyder, horn in Virginia in 1788, and died in 1866 in this 
township. Her maternal grandfather, Philip Kizer, was horn in Vir- 
ginia, came to Ohio in 1805, was a soldier in the war of 18 12, in which 
i e was a captain, and died in 1817. His wife lived until 1837. 



MILO G. WILLIAMS. A. M. 

Whatever the future may have in -tore for that noble educational 
institution maintained under the auspices of the Xew Church, Urbana 
University, at no point can there fail to be on the part of those who 
enji v its "privileges a deep and reverent appreciate m < f the devoted lab 1 - 
of the one who St od at its head in the formative period. Though Pn - 
fessor Williams, with that personal modesty so typical of the man. never 
ented to actually accept the title 1 1 presidenl of the university, he 
as virtually and essentially the incumbent of this office from the time 
of the organization of the institution, more than a half century ago, 
until his final withdrawal from active participation in the educational 



CEXTEXXIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 2\ 5 

work, a score of years later. He was a distinct power in his chosen 
of endeavor, and it is not too much to say that he distinguished himself 
by the fidelity with which his multifarious duties were discharged after 
he was placed at the head of the infant institution. The formation of 
his plans was marked 1>\ wisdom and their execution by unwearied labor 
and rare, and as a scholar, an educator and a man he commanded the 
highest respect and confidence. The history of his life is an integral 
pi rtion of the history of Urbana University, and it is demanded that in 
a work that touches those who have lived and wrought so nobly within 
the borders of Champaign county a memoir and tribute he paid to Pro- 
fessor Williams, though the limitations of the work will not permit the 
entering into manifold details as to the inception and growth of the in- 
stitution he so dearly loved and for which he so zealously labored. 

The family of which the subject of this memoir was a representa- 
tive was one which has long been identified with the annals of American 
history, as will presently be shown. Milo G. Williams was a native son 
of Ohio, having been born in the city of Cincinnati on the 10th of April. 
1804. the son of Jacob and Eunice (Grummond) Williams. His father 
was born in the year 1775. in Xew Jersey. He was a son of Joshua and 
Sarah (Higgins) Williams, the former of whom was born in the ancient 
and picturesque old city of Elizabeth. Xew Jersey, being the son of Miles 
Williams, who. with his brothers John and Samuel, emigrated from their 
native land, Wale-, to America in the colonial epoch. Records still 
extant -how that Joshua Williams was a patriot soldier in the war of the 
Revi Union, having been a member of the "minute men." who held them- 
selves in readiness to respond to an alarm in the quickest possible time, 
thus gaining the name. He lived in Xew Jersey until his death, having 
there accumulated a large landed estate and becoming one of the influen- 
tial citizens of the locality. He had inherited a large estate from his 
father, and his house, large mill and other property were destroyed by 



216 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

fire during the Revolution, but after the close of the struggle he re- 
couped his fortunes, having for a time maintained his home in New 
Vnrk city. His son Jacob, at the age of fourteen years, was sent to 
New York, where he held a clerkship in a mercantile establishment fur 
nne year, after which he went to Poughkeepsie to learn the blacksmith's 
trade. At the age of twenty, however, he became imbued with the "west- 
ern fever," and finally made his way down the Ohio river and disem- 
barked at Fort Washington (now the city of Cincinnati) in 1705 or 
1796. There he was united in marriage to Eunice Grummond, daugh- 
ter of David Grummond, who, like himself, was a pioneer of Cincinnati. 
He engaged in the work of his trade there and eventually built up an 
extensive business, operating a large machine shop, and there he died 
in the year 1840, his marriage having been blessed with thirteen chil- 
dren. 

Milo G. Williams was reared and educated in his native city and 
when sixteen years of age gave inception to his long and useful peda- 
gogic career by engaging in teaching in district schools. He thus began 
educational work in 1820 and did not withdraw from the same until 
1870, — a full half-century later. At the age of nineteen years Mr, 
Williams established a private school in Cincinnati, and this proved a 
success, while in 1833 he accepted the general supervision of .1 manual 
training school established in Dayton. At the expiration of two years 
he withdrew from this position to accept the principalship of the Spring- 
field high school, and in 1840 became principal of a Swedenborgian school 
in Cincinnati. In 1844 he effected a reorganization of Dayton Academy, 
at Dayton, and continued at its head until called upon to accept the 
presidency < 1' Urbana University, in 1850, the charter of the institution 
bearing date of March 7U1 of that year, while Professor William- was 
numbered among the incorporators, the university being in absolute 
embryi e for its charter, it- organization and a plat of ground in 



CEXTEX.X1AL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 217 

Urbana, the same having been donated by John H. James, of this city. 
We can not do better at this point than to quote from a historical nar- 
rative appearing- in the Annual of Urbana University, published under 
the auspices of the Delta Sigma Literary Society, in June. 1901. to com- 
memorate the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the college: 

In the minds of its projectors the most urgent need of the uni- 
versity at this stage of its affairs was a suitable person to take charge 
of its educational interests, and the opinion was unanimous that Mr. 
Mil. 1 G. Williams possessed in an eminent degree the necessary quali- 
fications. He was accordingly invited to accent the position. Mr. \\ ill— 
iams was at that time conducting an academy in Dayton. Ohio, and 
his reputation as a teacher was already well established through' ait the 
state. The plan of establishing a Xew Church university at Urbana 
being- submitted to him, and also the proposition that he should come 
and assume charge of the same. Mr. Williams took the matter into 
prayerful consideration. The records made in his private journal at this 
time fully testify to the weight and responsibility which he attached 
to the undertaking, and the serious thought which he gave the question 
of his acceptance of the position offered. In answer to the question, 
early submitted to him, of the practicability of the undertaking and 
the suitability of the location at Urbana, he says: "I expre-<ed my be- 
lief that the time had arrrived when the Xew Church should adopl 
mi re efficient measures for the diffusion of the doctrines oi the Xew 
Jerusalem, and that there were no better means for accomplishing the 
end prop, sed than the proper education and training of the yi ung in 
the doctrines and life of the church, thus making them fair exponents 
of the truths of the Xew Church. As to the locality, there were no 
valid objections to it. but there were man) go, J reasons in it- fa 

Mr. Williams decide.! to accept the tads of taking charge of the 
educational work of the university, in spite of the fact that the "re- 



2 is CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

sponsibility would be greater and the compensation less than thosi 
his present work." His decision was a fortunate one for the interests 
of the university. He possessed the qualities of infinite patience and 
perfect self-control, combined with an extensive knowledge of human 
nature; he had early learned the lesson that the art of governing others 
consists in the ability to govern one's self, at all times and under all 
circumstances. Moreover, he was a born teacher, a member of that 
noble race of pedagogues, now nearly extinct, for whom the modern 
methods of teacher-making no longer find a place. In early life Mr. 
Williams had studied law. and afterward, not being willing, as he ex- 
pressed it, to make a living out of other people's quarrels, he pursued 
an extensive course in medicine. His training in the latter afterward 
proved of great value to him when called upon to give instruction in 
the various branches of natural science, in which he became a highly 
successful teacher. Moreover his predilections were strongly in favor 
of the new field of work ami the possibilities it seemed to offer for car- 
rying out some long cherished ideas. He had long considered the de- 
sirability of combining literary and scientific education with an inculca- 
tion of the doctrnes of the New Church, believing that education is 
worse than useless unless it elevates and purifies the affections and leads 
to a pure life. It was deemed best that Mr. Williams should close his 
academy at Dayton at once and begin the educational work at I rbana, 
as a preliminary to the organiztion of classes in the college. Accord- 
ingly he removed to L'rhana in the summer of 1850 and engaged suit- 
able rooms in the town for his school, as but little progress had yet been 
made in the construction of the university buildings. On the opening 
day, earl) in September, [850, the room was overcrowded with appli- 
cants lor admission. This school was continued until the tall oi 1853, 
when it was rerrn ved to the college buildings, now completed, and the 
classes merged into those of the university. In the year [858 the Rev. 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 219 

Chauncey Giles was elected president of the university, holding the 
office nominally until 1870. Mr. Giles continued his ministerial work- 
in Cincinnati, and was never charged with any teaching of classes. Up 
to the date of Mr. Giles' appointment Professor Milo G. Williams had 
tilled the office of dean of the faculty and president of the board of trus- 
tees, having declined to accept the title of president of the college, which 
had heen tendered him. modestly contending that he did not consider 
himself endowed with the qualifications which should be possessed by 
a college president. Professor Williams remained more or less actively 
connected with the college as an instructor in various departments of 
natural science until the year 1S70, during this period, in addition to 
his class-room duties, he made many valuable contributions to science, 
more especially in the departments of botany, conchology and nieteor- 
ology. The plants growing in the vicinity were thoroughly studied and 
a large herbarium was formed of the specimens collected, and placed 
in the college museum. His collection of the fresh-water mollusca oi 
the Ohio river and its tributaries contains representatives of nearly all 
of the known species. For fifty years he made daily observations oi 
the temperature, direction and force of the winds, humidity of the atmos- 
phere and barometric pressure. Many of these observations were pub- 
lished in the Smithsonian Institution, at Washington, and constitute 
some of the earliest contributions to the science of meteorology, antici- 
pating the present work of the signal-service bureau. At the time of Mr. 
Williams' death, which occurred at Urbana in the year 1880. the chief 
signal officer. General Meyer, showed his high appreciation of Mr. Will- 
iams' services to meteorology in a letter expressing the great value and 
importance of these services. Up to the time of his death Mr. Williams 
remained a trustee of the college and took an active interest in its af- 
fairs. 



220 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

The above excerpt gives but little of the detail of Professor Will- 
iams' twenty years of active service in the university, but enough has- 
been said to show how deep is the appreciation placed upon his life and 
labors. He was an able and liberal contributor to educational journals- 
am! his interest in the work of his chosen profession remained con- 
stant until his life's labors were closed in the gentle sleep of death. 
During the war of the Rebellion he was a member of the "Squirrel 
Hunters," and thus participated in the defense of Cincinnati. In poli- 
tics he was an uncompromising advocate of the principles of the Re- 
publican party from the time of its organization, and he was one of the 
most influential and devoted members of New Church i Swedenb rgian) 
in the state of Ohio. His life was one of consecration in all its relations 
and was ordered upon a high plane. He entered into eternal rest on the 
19th of April, 1S80. and not only the community, the church and his 
former pupils felt a sense of deep personal loss, but all could not but 
rejoice in the benediction afforded by the life thus translated into a 
large; - sphere of usefulness when the veil was lifted to gain the new 
glory of a noble and useful life. 

On the 20th of October, 1842, Professor Williams was united in 
marriage to Miss Mary Loring, who was born in Cincinnati, being the 
daughter of David and Maria (Lowey) Loring, who were early set- 
tlers of Cincinnati, whither they removed from the state of \'c\v York, 
the father being one of the prominent merchants of the city in the 
early days and a man of influence and sterling worth. The Lorings 
are collaterally descended from Richard Warren, who was 1 ne 1 t the 
pilgrims who came to America on the Mayflower on the occasion of her 
first voyage, in [620. Mrs. Williams, now' venerable in years, still re- 
sides in Urbana, and in the home so hallowed by the memories and as- 
sociations of the past also abide her two children. — Mary Louise and 
Adelaide H. 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 221. 

JOHN M. HUNTER. 

The stanch Irish type is one which has found many representatives 
in the New World and is one that lias ever been found foremost in giving 
impetus to the march of progress, in retaining a clear mental grasp and 
in directing affairs along safe and conservative lines. America owes 
much to the Irish and has honored and been honored by noble men and 
women of this stock. In the agnatic line the subject of this sketch is of 
Sturdy Irish extraction, being of the third generation of the family in 
the United States and in Champaign county, Ohio, where his grandfather, 
Nathaniel Hunter, took up his abode in 1811, locating' in the sylvan 
wilds, as one of the sterling pioneers of the county and setting himself 
vigorously to the task of literally hewing out a farm in the virgin forest, 
the land which he thus reclaimed having been furrowed and refurrowed 
1 y the plowshare for main- years and giving slight evidence of the toil 
involved in the early days. 

Nathaniel Hunter, the honored progenitor of the family in America, 
was born in the Emerald Isle, of fine old Celtic stock, and there he was 
reared and educated, his marriage being solemnized prior to his emigra- 
tion to America. He left his native land in 1795, and came to the hos- 
pitable shores of the new world, locating in Greenbrier county, Virginia, 
where the family maintained their home until 1811. when they came to 
( >hio. Mr. Hunter settled on a tract of wild land in the northern pari of 
■hat is now Salem township, Champaign county, where he cleared and 
improved a good farm and where he passed the residue of his honorable 
and useful life, which was devoted to the great basic art of agriculture. 
In the year 1820 lie erected a stone house, an exceptional improvement in 
tho^e days, when the usual domicile of the locality was the primitive log 
cabin, and this building is Mill standing and is in an excellent state of 

:rvation, standing as a landmark of the early days ami as a monu- 



222 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

ment to the energy and progressive spirit of this noble pioneer. In poli- 
tics Grandfather Hunter gave his allegiance to the Whig party, and his 
religious faith was that of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he 
was a most devoted member, doing much to promote the cause of the 
Master in the community, while his house was a sort of religious center 
and a place where a genuine and cordial welcome was ever accorded to 
the faithful circuit-riders of the church during the pioneer epoch. 

Samuel Hunter, son of the honored pioneer and father of the subject 
of this review, was horn in Greenbrier county. Virginia, and was a lad 
of about six years at the time of the family removal to Champaign county. 
where he was reared to maturity and where he devoted his life to agri- 
cultural pursuits, becoming one of the prominent farmers and repre- 
sentative citizens of the county. He died at the old homestead, in Salem 
township, in the year 1870, at the age of sixty-five years. He married 
Maria Miller, who was bom in ("lark county, Ohio, whither her parents 
came as pioneers from Kentucky. She passed away in 1885, at the age 
of seventy-four years, and like her husband was ever sustained and com- 
forted by a deep Christian faith, being a zealous member of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal church. Samuel and Maria (Miller) Hunter became 
the parents of ten children, — five sons and live daughters, — of whom 
one son and one daughter are deceased. 

John M. Hunter, the immediate subject of this review and one of 
the representative citizens and business men of the city of I'rbana, was 
born on the old homestead, in the northern part of Salem township, on 
the 22d of .March, [838, and he lias passed his entire life in his native 
count}-, honoring the name he bears by his upright and useful career 
Growing up under the invigorating discipline of the farm, he has ever 
retained the highest respect for the dignity of the noble vocation which 
figures as the bulwark oi our national prosperity, and he continued to be 
identified with agricultural pursuits until be had attained the age of 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 223. 

forty years, his educational privileges in his youth being such as were 
afforded in the public schools of the locality and period. Upon leaving 
the farm Mr. Hunter located in the village of West Liberty, where for 
fi lurteen years he was successfully engaged in the agricultural imple- 
ment business. At the expiration of the period noted he disposed of 
this business and came to Lrbana, where he has since devoted his atten- 
tion to the real-estate and insurance business, in which, by his honor- 
able business methods and progressive and discriminating management, 
he has attained marked prestige and. developed an enterprise of no 
inconsiderable scope and importance, his agency taking front rank and 
retaining a representative support. In politics Mr. Hunter exercises his 
franchise in support of the principles and policies of the Republican 
part)-, but has never sought the honors or emoluments of public office. 
Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, 
and his religious faith is that in which he was reared, both he and his 
wife being active workers in the First Methodist Episcopal church, while 
our subject has been for thirty-five years prominent in the work of the 
Sunday-school, where is laid the foundation of true Christian faith and 
worthy manhood and womanhood. 

On the 19th of November, 1S62, Mr. Hunter was united in mar- 
riage to Miss Sallie Baldwin, who was born in this county, the daughter 
of Richard Baldwin, one of the pioneer farmers of this section. Of 
this union have been born three children, namely: F. Edgar, who is 
now a resident of Chicago; Xellie M., the wife of Dr. Ben S. Leonard, 
of West Liberty, this county: and Ralph Waldo E.. who is associated 
with his father in business. Mrs. Hunter died April 9, 1902. 



WILLIAM M. ROCK. 
Biography should he written not less for the sake of perpetuating 
records which, prove a portion of generic history than for the pui 
of inculcating valuable lessons, that those who read may place them- 



224 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

selves in contact with facts and affairs and he inspired to build them- 
selves up to and into a life of excellence, not in any chance sphere of 
endeavor, but rather in their own rightful places, where they may keep 
snd their individuality augment its power. With the history of Cham- 
paign county and the state of Ohio the name of Ruck has been indis- 
solubly linked from the early pioneer epoch, and has ever stood for the 
must exalted integrity of character and for individual usefulness and 
honor. Thus it becomes specially consistent that we enter a review of 
the career of William M. Rock, justice of the peace in the city of 
Urbana, which is his native city, and in which he is honored for his 
sterling character and also as a representative of worthy pioneer families. 
Mr. Rock was born in Urbana, Ohio, on the 16th of February. 
1857, being the son of John D. and Mary (Merrill} Rock, both of 
whom were likewise born in Urbana, the former in the year 1830 and 
the latter in 1832. John D. Rock was a son of William and Alice 
(Glenn) Rock, the former of whom was born in Virginia, whence he 
came to Ohio as a young man and here married Miss Glenn, who was 
born in Champaign county, Ohio, the daughter of William Glenn, who 
was a pioneer of this county, whither he and his brother John removed 
from the state of Kentucky. The father of our subject passed prac- 
tically his entire life in his native town, and here his death occurred in 
the year [898. I lis wife still maintains her home in Urbana. Her 
father, Rev. David Merrill, was born in the old Green Mountain state of 
Vermont and was one of the pioneer clergymen of the Presbyterian 
church of Urbana. He eventually returned to his native state in New 
England, and there passed the residue of his long and singularly noble 
and useful life. The old residents of Urbana yet recall to mind a 
stirring temperance senium which he delivered during his pastorate here, 
and the same is almost invariably referred to as the "'ox sermon," 
apropos of the principal illustration used in the discourse, which was 
one of great fervor and power. 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 225 

John D. Rock was reared and educated in Urbana and in his youth 
became a clerk in the establishment of W. D. &; C. McDonald, who 
were pioneer merchants of the town. In [866 Air. Rock became an 
interested principal in the business, the original firm being - then succeeded 
by that of .McDonald & Rock, who continued to conduct a general mer- 
chandise business for a number of years, but finally gave their atten- 
tion Lo the handling of dry goods and carpets exclusively, Air. Rock 
continuing to be actively identified with this important enterprise until 
the time of his death. In his political proclivities he was an uncom- 
promising Republican, but was never an aspirant for official preferment, 
though he ever maintained the attitude of a public-spirited citizen, doing 
all in his power to further the general welfare of the community and 
being honored for his ability and sterling manhood. He was one of 
the zealous and devoted members of the First Presbyterian church, active 
in all good works, and for many years he served as an official of his 
church and was also incumbent of the position of superintendent of the 
Sunday-school. His widow stiil retains her active interest in the work 
of the church, and her gentle influence has been felt in the various depart- 
ments. She is the mother of two children, — Alice G., who remains with 
her mother in the old home; and William M., the subject of this review. 

William M. Rock was reared and educated in Urbana, being grad- 
uated in the high school as a member of the class of 1874. For a 
decade after leaving school he was engaged as a clerk in the mercantile 

ilishment of McDonald & Rock, eventually becoming manager of 
the carpet department. In 1885 Air. Rock engaged in business on his 
own responsibility, entering into partnership with J. R. Hughes, Jr., 
and establishing a furniture business, under the firm name of Rock & 
Hughes, operations being continued by this firm for a period of ten 
years, at the expiration of which our subject closed out his interests in 
the enterprise. 



226 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

In political matters Mr. Rock lias ever been stanchly arrayed in 
support of the Republican party and its principles, and in 1896 was 
elected to the office of justice of the peace, while he was re-elected in 
1899, and elected again in 1902 for a term of three years, having given 
a must discriminating and able administration of the affairs coming 
within his jurisdiction. Fraternally he is identified with the Knights 
of Pythias. 

( >n the 25th of June, 1886. Mr. Rock was united in marriage to Miss 
Mary Noble, daughter of Orville Noble, a well known citizen of Urbana, 
and their pleasant home is a center of generous hospitality. 



WILLIAM H. MARVIN. 

Death often removes from our midst those whom we can ill afford 
to lose and when William H. Marvin was called from the scene 1 if earthly 
activities Urbana felt that it had lost one <>f its most valued and hon- 
ored citizens, for during his life he had accomplished much for himself 
and for his fellow men and for the community with which he was asso- 
ciated. As the day with its morning of hope and promise, its noontide 
of activity and its evening' of accomplished effort, ending in the rest and 
quiet of the night, so was the life of this honored man. 

Mr. Marvin was born in Le Roy, Genesee county. New York, De- 
cember 15, [829, and when a small boy accompanied his father on his 
removal to- Morrow county, Ohio, the former settling at Sparta. His 
business career commenced when he was fifteen years of age, at which 
time he began clerking for J. S. Trumble, of Mount Gilead, for whom 
be worked for three years. In that time by strict economy he saved 
eighty dollars and then engaged in business for himself at Sparta, car— 




w^2*~' 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 229 

rying on operations there for several years. He then removed to Card- 
ington, where he engaged in the dry goods business, which he conducted 
with great success. In [876 he became an organizer of the First National 
Bank of Cardington, Ohio, and for ten years thereafter was engaged in 
the banking business, being interested in and a director of hanks in 
Shelby. Galion and Columbus. He was also the president of the First 
National Bank of Cardington, and Ins control of these financial insti- 
tutions placed them upon a good paying basis and made them import- 
ant elements in the business life of the cities in which they are located. 
In 18S0 Mr. Marvin came to Urbana and in company with J. F. 
Brand established a wholesale grocery under the firm name of W. H. 
Marvin & Company, beginning business in 18S7. This was attended 
with gratifying success, but in 1896 the firm discontinued the wholesale 
grocery trade on account of the large increase of the business which they 
had instituted in the meantime. About 1892 they began cleaning fruit 
and manufacturing mince meat, and this proved extremely profitable 
from the commencement. Currants were imported from (ireece and 
cleaned by the process originated by the firm, after which they were 
packed in cartons and sent to all parts of the United States, from the 
Atlantic to the Pacific, for the excellent quality of the goods and the 
reliability of the house secured them a growing patronage, which made' 
their business eventually one of mammoth importance. The firm also 
cleans and packs California raisins, and on an extensive scale manu- 
factures condensed and wet mince meat. The firm v. ted 1 n 
the 13th of October, [897, under the name of W. H. Marvin Company. 
The business has had a wonderful growth and the factory presents a 
scene of great activity, seventy-five employes being there found. Mr. 
Marvin was the central and controlling figure of this industry until his 
death., serving as president of the company. 

September to. [855, occurred the marriage 1 f William II. Marvin 
12 



230 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

and Miss Loretta F. Wolcott, a native of ( >akville, Genesee county, New 
York, whii died in 1892. In their family were the following children: 
Anna M., the wife of James X. Johnson, of Qrbana; Clitus Harry and 
William B. Mr. Marvin gave his political support to the Republican 
party and always kept well in formed on the issues of the daw althi ugh 
he never sought office. He was a Royal Arch Mason and a member 
of the Episcopal church. His death occurred May 11, 1898, and thus 
closed a useful and honorable career. His reputation was unassailable, 
for from the beginning of his connection with commercial interests he 
exemplified in his career the old adage that honesty is the best policy. 
He belonged also to that class of representative American citizens, who, 
while promoting individual success also advance the general welfare. 
The social dualities of his nature endeared him to man)' friends, and 
he was no less honored in business circles than esteemed and liked in 
private life. 

Clitus Harry Marvin, the elder son. was born in Cardington, Ohio, 
September 11, 1800. and after pursuing his preliminary education in 
the public schools, entered Kenyon College. Later he became teller in 
the First National Bank at Cardington and afterward of the Morrow 
County Dank at Mount Gilead. With his father he came to L'rbana in 
[886 ami has since been the secretary and treasurer of the \V. H. 
Marvin Company. Although he entered upon a business already estab- 
lished he lias proved his abilit\ by carrying forward the work to still 
greater perfection and has manifested keen sagacity, resolution and 
enterprise, which have classed him among the representatives of indus- 
trial and commercial interests of his adopted city, lie is president oi 
the Crbana Telephone Company, one of the best systems in the state. 
He votes with the Republican party and for three years served as a 
member of the school board. He and his wife are members of the Epis- 
copal church. In 1888 he married Miss Amelia Talbott, a daughtei of 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 231 

J. G. Tallinn, and they now have two interesting children: Clitus and 
Katherine. 

William B. Marvin, the younger s< n of William H. Marvin, was 
horn in Cardington, Ohio, May 30, 1865, and obtained a liberal educa- 
tion. He has made Urbana his home since 1886 and is now the presi- 
dent of the VV. H. Marvin Company, also acting a^ manager of the 
manufacturing department. Both sons are men of good ability, who 
fear not the laborious attention to details which insures success. The 
straightforward business policy inaugurated by their father is main- 
tained by them and the house has a reputation which is most creditable. 



AUGUST T. GROSS. 

Born among the peasantry of Wurtemberg, Germany, September 4, 
1849. August T. Gross, son of Charles Frederick and Pauline ( Reuther) 
Gross, has found in America a field of opportunity which, faithfully em- 
ployed, has won for him a prominent place among the hotel men of Ohio. 

Although left an orphan when eight years of age Mr. Gross experi- 
enced some compensations in his childhood, one of which was more than 
ordinary educational advantages, culminating in a two years' course at 
the agricultural college of the principality. Equipped also with the 
inherited and fostered traits of thrift and economy, he migrated in 
America in 1865, and though but sixteen years of age hopefull) an 
even enthusiastically viewed the future among the altogether strange 
surroundings. In Cincinnati. Ohio, he found employment in the Xew 

and Bakery, and after learning the trade during his two years of 
seryice repaired to Carlyle. Brown county, this state, where he worked 

n uncle in his general merchandise store. Two years later found 



232 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

him performing" various duties on a farm in the neighborhood, and 
while thus engaged he met and married, in 1870. Elmina Hughes, who 
bore him five children, two sons and three daughters. After his mar- 
riage Mi". Gross moved and tenanted another farm until 18S3. which 
year witnessed his initiation into the hotel business as manager of a 
hotel at Jamestown. While in this town he became prominent in gen- 
eral affairs and especially in Republican politics, and not only served for 
six years as township clerk, but was for three years the municipal head 
of the city. Although convinced of Ins special aptitude for managing 
the traveling public, he yielded to one of those impulses ever afterward 
unaccountable, and for a time engaged in the show business with trained 
animals. This combination proved a losing venture, and after parting 
with alacrity from his well meaning but expensive finite friends be 
returned to his former occupation, and became manager of the h 
Portsmouth. A still later charge was the Hotel Sailor, at Massillon, 
Ohio, where he remained for nine months, and then went to Mount 
Sterling in a similar capacity. At Mechanicsburg Air. (iross managed 
the Hotel Taylor for four vears. and during this time entered into 
partnership for a year and a half in the management of the Reese 1 louse, 
at Kenton. Ohio. In October of 1899 he assumed control of the 
Douglass Inn. at I'rbana, and has since been with this popular and well 
kept hotel." He is well known in several avenues of activity in the town 
and county, and is fraternally prominent, being connected with the 
Knights of Pythias, the Chapter Masons and the Benevolent and Pro- 
tective Order of Elks. 

The particular forte of .Mr. Gross lies in his ability to straighten out 
the affairs of temporarily disabled or run down hotels, whose particular 
ailment be is quick to discern, and the reliable and warranted remedy 
1- equally ready and forthcoming. Needless to say that he lays par- 
ticular stress upon proper provision for the inner man: upon absolute 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 233 

cleanliness in all departments of the hotels which he manages, and upon 
exactitude in the discharge of the innumerable little aids to success, known 
onh to the manager who is born and not made. Personally Mr. Gross 
is aided by a thorough knowledge of migrating and stationary human 
nature; by a tact which is unfailing in dealing with applicants swung 
from the accustomed moorings of their own fireside, and by that rare 
attribute, memory of faces and names. 



FRANK B. PATRICK. 

In this age of colossal enterprise and marked intellectual energy 
the prominent and successful men are those whose abilities, persistence 
and courage lead them into large undertakings and assume the respon- 
sibilities and labors of leaders in their respective vocations. Success is 
methodical and consecutive, and however much we may indulge in fan- 
tastic theorizing as to its elements and causation in any isolated instance 
yet in the light of sober investigation we will find it to be but a result 
of the determined application of one's abilities and powers along the 
rigidly defined line of labor. America owes much of her progress and 
advancement to a position foremost among the nations of the world 
to her newspapers, and in no line has the incidental broadening out of 
the sphere of usefulness been more marked than in this same line of 
j' mi nalism. The subject of this review has been closely and prominently 
associated with journalistic interests for many years and his influence 
in this regard has been of no restricted order. The younger son of 
William R. and Isabella (Given) Patrick, was born in Urbana, Ohio, 
March 12, 1869. 

He was reared in Urbana and when seventeen years of age was 



234 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

graduated in the high school. He afterward spent two years in the 
Ohio Wesleyan University and after leaving college was engaged in 
teaching for two years. On the expiration of that period he went to 
Florida, where he remained for a year as stenograper for a well known 
law firm in Bartow. In 1S91 he returned to the north to become the 
official stenographer fur the finance committee of the lower house of the 
Ohio state legislature, a position which he held for two terms, and later 
was official stenographer in the Ohio state senate. For eight years he 
was identified with the Urbana, Citizen as city editor. In June, iyoo. he 
became manager of the Urbana edition of the Springfield (Ohio) Press- 
Republic, which position he has since held with credit and success. He 
has had other newspaper experience, for during three years he was on the 
editorial staff of the Columbus Press and the Ohio State Journal. Mr. 
Patrick is an accomplished and capable newspaper man. having a genius 
for descriptive and humorous writing, as well as good business and 
executive ability. 

In 1895 was celebrated the marriage of Frank B. Patrick and .Miss 
Mamie G. Craig, a daughter of Harrison Craig, of Urbana. Their 
home is brightened by the presence of a little son, Robert Craig Patrick. 
Politically Mr. Patrick is a Republican, ardent and unfaltering in sup- 
port of the principles of the party. Fraternally he is a member of Har- 
mony Lodge, Xo. 8, F. & A. M., of Urbana, and also of the Juni ir 
< inler of American Mechanics. 



• • » 



SHEPHERD B. GROVE. 

Champaign county, Ohio, is favored in having represented in the 
list hi its officials and executives individuals whose endowments fully 
capacitate them for the discharge of the responsible duties which devolve 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 235' 

upon them, and in this connection we may now advert to the more 
salient points in the life history of Mr. Grove, who is incumbent of the 
office of county auditor, in which he has rendered most efficient service, 
and who has passed the greater portion of his life in this county, identi- 
fied with various business enterprises and enjoying marked esteem and 
popularit} in his home city of Urbana. 

Shepherd Brown Grove is a native of Fayette county, Pennsyl- 
vania, where he was born on the 1 6th of February, 1847. the son of 
John W. B. and Jane (<iettys) Grove, both of whom were natives of 
that same county in the old Keystone state and to whom nine children 
were born, all of whom are living. In the year 1855 the parents of our 
subject removed to Champaign county, he being a lad of about eight 
years at the time, and they located on a farm two and one-half miles 
west of Urbana, retaining their residence in this county until [864, in 
which year the}' removed to Illinois, settling in Coles county, where 
they passed the residue of their lives, secure in the confidence and esteem 
of all who knew them. Our subject received his early educational 
discipline in the public schools of Urbana, and here resided for a num- 
ber of years in the home of his paternal grandfather. In 1864 he made 
3 trip through the middle west, locating in the same year in Charleston, 
Coles county, Illinois, where for four years he was engaged in clerking 
and then returned to Urbana, where he held the position of clerk and 

1 kkeeper in the clothing establishment of Herman Fisher, remaining' 

about five years and then going to Evansville. Indiana, where he was 
employed about eighteen months in the mercantile establishment of M. 
Lyon. At the expiration of the period noted Mr. Grove returned to 
i rbaua, where he associated himself with Joseph Fisher in the opening 
of a hat and men's furnishing-goods store, under the firm name of 
Fisher & Grove. At the expiration of one year our subject purchased 
his partner's interest in the enterprise, which he thereafter conducted 



236 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

individually for a term of sixteen years, building up a large and repre- 
sentative business and being known as one of the progressive and reliable 
merchants of the city. After disposing of this business Mr. Grove was 
employed lor three years as traveling salesman for A. G. Woodruff, 
manufacturer of hats, in New York city, and he then purchased a 
grocery business in Urbana, successfully continuing the same for three 
years and then selling out. shortly afterward, in 1899, being elected to 
his present responsible office as county auditor, giving so capable and 
satisfactory an administration that he was re-elected to the office in 
1901. He accords a stanch allegiance to the Republican party, and has 
shown a lively interest in political affairs of a local nature. Fraternally 
he is one of the prominent and popular members of the time-honored 
order of Freemasons, in which he has rounded the circle of the York 
rite hoilies, being identified with the lodge, chapter, council and com- 
mandery of Urbana, and having passed the official chairs in each. He 
was for several years consecutively incumbent of the office of captain 
general of his commandery of Knights Templar. He and his wife arc 
members of the First Methodist Episcopal church of Urbana. 

In the year 1877 was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Grove to 
Miss Kate West, the daughter of Enoch G. West, who was a well km »u n 
citizen of Champaign comity, and of this union three children have been 
bom. — Nellie, who is the wife of Frank A. Zimmer, of Urbana: and 
Angie and Marie, who remain at the parental home. • 



CHARLES B. BLACK. 

This well kimwu resident of Champaign county is one of Ohio's 
native sons, his birth having occurred in Wayne township on the 10th 
of March. [868. Mis grandfather, Peter Clack, was a native of Perm- 







.^ 





CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 239 

svlvania. but became one of the early pioneers of Wayne township, 
Champaign county, where he spent the remainder of his life, passing 
a\vav in death when his son Peter was but four years of age. The lat- 
ter was born in this county on the 14th of May, 1828, and when twenty- 
two years of age moved to Henry county. Iowa, but later returned' to 
this state and located on a farm in Wayne township. After a time he 
again made the journey to Iowa, but a second time returned to this state, 
and his death here occurred on the 26th of December, 1899. In po- 
litical matters he was first a Whig and afterward a Republican, and his 
first vote was cast in favor of the free school system. As the years 
passed, prosperity abundantly ; ewarded his well directed efforts and he 
became the owner of one thousand acres of rich and fertile land. He 
started in life a poor boy, but steadily worked bis way upward, gaining 
success and winning the public confidence. His wife b<>re the maiden 
name of Catherine Felgar, and she was a native of Pennsylvania, of 
German descent. She is still living in Wayne township, where she lo- 
cated in a very early day. Five sons and three daughters blessed this 
union, namely : Samuel F. ; Isaac F. ; Henry E. : Granville P. ; Lucretia, 
the wife of AVilliam Berry; Emma E., deceased: Charles B., of this re- 
view ; and Cora B., deceased. 

C. B. Black received his elementary education in the common schools 
•of Wavne township, and was afterward a student in the normal school 
at Urbana. After completing his education he engaged in farming and 
reading law with Judge Middleton, of Urbana, but on account of failing 
health was obliged to abandon the latter occupation, and since that time 
has given bis entire time and attention to his farming operations, lie 
is now the owner of one hundred and eighteen acre- of land adjoining 
the village of Cable, which is valued at one hundred dollar- an acre, 
and this land is under an excellent state of cultivation and impr 1 
with commodious and substantial buildings. He has always taken an 



2 4 o CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

active part in the public life of the county, and on the Republican ticket, 
of which he is a stanch supporter, he has been elected to many positions 
of trust and responsibility. At one time he was the candidate for the 
office of prosecuting attorney in a field with six candidates, and 
came within a few votes of winning the election. He has represented 
his district in all the county, state and judicial conventions of his party, 
and has served his second term as justice of the peace and member of 
the school board. His fraternal relations connect him with the Inde- 
pendent Order of Odd Fellows, Cable Lodge, No. 395, in which he has 
served as a delegate to many of its encampments. He passed through 
the chairs and is also a member of the Encampment. 

In 1887 Mr. Black was united in marriage to Minnie Guyton, and 
of their four children only one is now living. Zella, who is thirteen year-; 
of age and attending school. For his second wife he chose Myrtle 
Schertzer. She is of German descent, her grandfather having been born 
in that country, and her parents are Emanuel and Amanda (Spring) 
Schertzer. This union has been blessed with two children. — Dewey, 
born November 8, 1808, and Helen M., bom March 30, [901. Mr. 
Black has led a busy and useful life, and in addition to his valuable 
homestead he is a stockholder in many enterprises. By his progressive 
and honorable methods and capable management he has gained a place 
among the substantia] citizens and must highly esteemed business men 
of his county. 



JUDGE WILLIAM PATRICK. 

Conspicuous among the pioneers who helped to lay the foundation 
upon which the prosperity and progress of Urbana now rests was Judge 
William Patrick, and no compendium such as is defined in the essential 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 241 

limitations of this volume would be complete without mention of his 
career. He was born in New Jersey in 1796. and in 1806 removed 
to Ohio with his father, Anthony Patrick. The father purchased a 
small tract of wild land in Brookfield township, two miles west of the 
boundary line of this state and Pennsylvania. During the years of 
1806-7 arK l 8 the family endured many hardships, trials and discourage- 
ments. They needed teams with which to cultivate and clear the land, 
and farming implements in order to till the fields. Cows and oxen were 
used instead of horses and the family had little means to procure the 
flour and feed which could only be purchased at almost fabulous prices. 
and could be procured no nearer than Pittsburg. Spice-wood and sassa- 
fras were used for tea and rye for coffee. The family remained at 
Brookfield until the spring of 181 1. when the father united with rive 
neighbors in building a boat of sufficient capacity to contain their fam- 
ilies and goods. They waited for a rise in the Chenango river and 
when it came the current carried them to the Big Beaver, where the 
crew disembarked and were conveyed in wagons to the foot of the falls. 
where they renewed their journey to the confluence of the Ohio river, 
proceeding down that stream to Cincinnati, where the families dispersed. 
Anthony Patrick removed his family to Lebanon, Warren county, 
where he remained until August, 181 1, at which time he took up his 
abode in Urbana. The same year William Patrick entered school, which 
was conducted on the subscription plan. As regularly as opportunity 
would afford he attended until the war of 181 2, when his father was 
drafted for service and William offered to go as a substitute and was 
accepted. When his company was ordered to Fort Meigs he carried 
with him his English grammar, devoting every leisure moment t" its 
study i;i order to complete his knowledge of that branch of learning. 
In May, 1813, he belonged to the corps that relieved the beleaguered 



242 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

garrison of Fort Meigs, and at the close of the war he was the second 
in command of that fort. 

When hostilities had ceased Judge Patrick returned to Urhana, 
where he learned the trade of cabinet making, which was also his father's 
occupation and which he followed actively and successfully until 1857. 
In that year he retired from business and was succeeded by his two 
sons, Evan B. and William R., who were engaged in the furniture busi- 
ness until a few years ago, when the latter died and the business was 
■closed out. Judge Patrick was an active factor in industrial circles. 
and his business ability was supplemented by integrity and straightfor- 
ward dealing- above question. 

The Judge was married, April 30. 1820, in Urhana, to Miss Rachel 
Kirkpatrick. a native of Pennsylvania, born in December. 1795. She 
died August 21. 1863. In their family were seven children. 

"Well fitted for leadership, Judge Patrick was often called to posi- 
tions of public trust, and during the greater part of his life was engaged 
in 1 it'ticial service. He was appointed township clerk of Urhana town- 
ship as early as 1819, and was elected to the same position for thirty- 
two consecutive years. From 1824 until 1830 he was commissioner of 
insolvents. In 1831 he was elected justice of the peace in Urhana town- 
ship and was five times re-elected, holding that position until it was 
superseded in 1848 bv the associate judgeship, in which capacity he 
served until J832. In 1841 he was elected mayor of Urhana and after 
serving for one term declined re-election, but in 1839 was a g ; dn chosen 
by popular suffrage for that office and for six consecutive terms was 
re-elected and at last declined to again become a candidate. In [897, 
although not soliciting the honor, he was elected justice of the peace and 
was several times re-elected. Pie held minor offices, such as assessor 
and recorder, and for several years was a member of the city council. 
Over the record of his public career and his private life there falls no 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 243 

shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil. His course was ever marked 
by the utmost fidelity to duty and he ever placed the national welfare 
before partisanship and the general good before self-aggrandizement. 
Largely through his efforts Oakdale cemetery was purchased in 
1854, and in 1859 a strip of land comprising a half acre was purchased 
for a driveway to the cemetery and called Patrick avenue. This thor- 
oughfare was laid out and trees were planted through his superintend- 
ency and the beautiful willow driveway on Patrick avenue is a living 
monument to his memory. Judge Patrick was an intimate friend of 
the historic Indian fighter. Simon Kenton, who spent many years of his 
life in Lrbana, and it was largely through Judge Patrick's efforts that 
the body of the noted warrior was brought to Oak Dale cemetery, where- 
a beautiful monument now stands to mark the last resting place of this 
sturdy pioneer. Judge Patrick was a talented and forceful writer. He 
wrote the part of the first "History of Champaign and Logan Coun- 
ties" relating to this county, and was the author of many interesting- 
sketches of the early history of the city which were published at intervals 
in the local papers during his long and honored life. He died in 1891, 
at the age of ninety-five years. 



LEWIS C. LOUDENBACK. 

For many years Lewis C. Loudenback occupied a very conspicuous 
place among the leading business men of Champaign county. He was 
prominently connected with the industrial interests of the locality, and 
through the channels of trade contributed not alone to his individual 
perity but to the welfare of the county as well. Hi- career was that 
of an honorable, enterprising and progressive business man. whose well 



244 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

rounded character also enabled him to take an active interest in educa- 
tional, social and moral affairs, and to keep well informed concerning 
the momentous questions affecting" the welfare of the nation. In all 
life's relations he commanded the respect and confidence of those with 
whom he came in contact, and the memory of his upright life is an 
inspiration to the many friends who knew him well and were familiar 
with his virtues. 

Air. Loudenback was born in Mad River township. Champaign 
county, September 15, 1843, tne third child and second son of Allen and 
Elizabeth (Kiblinger) Loudenback and a grandson of Daniel Louden- 
back, one of the early pioneers of the county. In his family were four 
children, and the youngest had reached the age of rift}- years ere the 
family circle was broken by the hand of death. Allen Loudenback, the 
father of our subject, was born in 1814, and lived to a good old age. 

Lewis C. Loudenback, of this review, was reared and educated in 
lii^ native locality, attending the common schools of the neighborhood 
during his youth, and remained under the parental roof until his mar- 
riage, when he was twenty-two years of age. He then located with his 
bride on a farm in Concord township. Champaign county, where he 
made a specialty of the raising of hogs and short horn cattle, which 
products annually returned to him handsome financial profits. A- the 
years passed by and prosperity rewarded his well directed efforts he 
constantly enlarged his business, and at the time of his death was recog- 
nized as one of the leading farmers and stock-raisers of Champaign 
county, raising principally Short-horn cattle. He placed his fields under 
an excellent slate of cultivation and in his pastures could be seen a fine 
grade of stock. His efforts, however, were not confined to the work 
of the farm, and he carried forward to successful completion whatever 
he undertook. For many years he was interested in the Citizens Natii >nal 
Bank of Urbana, in which he held an important office, and was a director 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 245 

of the Ohio Straw-board Company. In his political views Mr. Louden- 
bacl: was a lifelong Democrat, and for a time served as the trustee of 
Mad River township, discharging his official duties to the satisfaction of 
all concerned. He was also a prominent member of the Nettle Creek 
Baptist church, in which he long served as a trustee. 

In 1866 occurred the marriage of Mr. Loudenback and Miss Sarah 
V. Nighswander. She is a native daughter of the county, her birth 
having occurred in Mad River township November 4. 1843. Her father, 
Levi Nighswander, was one of the early settlers to locate in this section 
of the county, coming here as early as 1830. where he followed the car- 
penter's trade, and many of the finest homes of the locality stain 1 as 
monuments to his industry and ability : For his wife he chose Elizabeth 
Neff, and they became the parents of seven children, five daughters and 
two sons, namely: James M., a resident of Idaho; F. M., a prominent 
contractor and builder of pikes and bridges in Oregon; Keziah Ann. 
at home: Lydia, wife of Lorain Hoak and a resident of the old home- 
stead in Mad River township: Mrs. Loudenback : Malinda Kiblinger, oi 
Hardin county. Ohio; and Louisa, who died in 1803. Mrs. Louden- 
back was reared in her native localitv. and to the public schools of Mad 
River township and Urbana she is indebted for the educational priv- 
ileges which, she received in her youth. At the early age of fourteen 
years she began teaching, following that profession for about seven years 
or until her marriage. She now owns and carries on the work of two 
farms, one in Concord township which consists of one hundred and 
fifty-nine acres, and the other, a fifty-two-acre tract, in Mad River town- 
ship. She also ha< an interest in the Citizen-- National Bank, of Urbana, 
and in the Ohio Strawboard Company, and she was the only repre- 
sentative of her estate at the business meeting of the Ohio Strawboard 
Company in 1902, where she cast a vote for the directors. Aite 
husband s death she purchased property in Westville, Champaign county, 



246 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

where she now has a pleasant and attractive home. She is a prominent 
and worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in the 
social circles of her locality occupies a prominent place, as did also her 
husband during his life time. In business circles he was also respected 
and honored for his industry, energy, punctuality and honorable and 
systematic methods, — all of which contributed to a large success, which 
he richly deserved. His last days were spent at his beautiful country 
home, and there he closed his eyes in death July 9, 1900. The entire 
community mourned his loss, for he was a man of worth to Champaign 
countv. Mr. and Mrs. Loudenback had no children of their own, but 
they have reared three, — Elijah Hazlett, Clyde Swisher and Grace 
Stover. 



MAJOR ALEXANDER F. VANCE, Jr. 

Honored and respected by all. there is no man in Urbana who oc- 
cupies a more enviable position in commercial and financial circles than 
Major Alexander Franklin Vance. Not alone because of his splendid 
success, but also by reason of the straightforward, honorable course he has 
ever followed. He forms his plans readily, is determined in their execu- 
tion and is notably prompt, energetic and reliable. His business ability 
has been an important factor in the successful conduct of more than 
one enterprise which has contributed to the general prosperity and wel- 
fare of Urbana and his career proves that success is not a matter oi 
genius, but is the outcome of persistent and earnest effort guided by 
strong judgment. 

Major Vance is a native of Salem township, bis birth having oc- 
curred on the 26th of January, 1840. He i- descended from Revolu- 
tionary ancestors in both the paternal and maternal lines and has back 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 249 

of him an ancestry honored and distinguished. For eighteen years his 
father served, as judge of the probate court of Champaign county, while 
his grandfather, Joseph Vance, represented this district in congress i< r 
twenty years and was the eleventh governor of Ohio. In the militia 
he advanced until he became major general and high political honor-. 
were conferred upon him. He served in the state militia in 1812, rep- 
resented his district in congress from 1820 until 1836, and again was 
chosen to that office in 1843, while in the meantime he had been called 
to the highest office within the gift of the people of the state, serving; 
for one term in the executive chair. In 1839 ne was a member of the 
Ohio senate and in 1851 served in the constitutional convention. His 
death occurred in 1852 but he left the impress of his individuality upon 
the public life and policy of the state. The history of Judge Vance, the 
father of our subject, is given on another page of this work. 

Major Vance, whose name introduces this record, spent his youth 
as a farmer boy until eighteen years of age and after putting aside the 
work of field and meadow he accepted a clerkship in a dry goods store 
owned by Simeon Weaver, subsequently he became bookkeeper in con- 
nection with the Stoney Point Mills conducted by his uncle, and as an 
accountant served in that establishment until after the inauguration of 
the Civil war. No longer could be content himself to remain in the 
quiet pursuits of civil life when, the country needing the aid of her loyal 
sons, he assisted the government by becoming paymaster clerk in [862. 
Toward the close of the time he was appointed paymaster with the rank 
of major of cavalry. 

Immediately afterward Major Vance went to Xew York City, where 

for five years he was engaged in the whole-ale boot and shoe business 

and upon returning to Urbana he took up his ab do 1 n the old farm. 

devoting his attention to agricultural pursuits, but hi- services were 

needed in other fields of labor and public enterprise -ought I nice. 

13 



250 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

In 187s, while he was still serving upon a farm, he was elected as- 
sistant cashier of the Third National Bank of Urbana ami in March, 
1881, he succeeded to the office of cashier. Soon afterward he left the 
farm and has since resided on Scioto street in Urbana. He served the 
Third National Bank and its successor, the National Bank, with fidelity 
and ability and the prosperity of both institutions has been largely due 
to his capable management and untiring vigilance. A man of resource- 
bul business ability his efforts have not been limited to one line alone, 
for lie has been for some years president of the Natural Gas Commis- 
sion and has been an active and influential factor in public alt air--, serv- 
ing as a member of the board of education of Urbana for three terms. 
as infirmary director for one term and was elected for am ther term, but 
resigned shortly afterward. 

In February, [868, Major Vance was united in marriage to Miss 
Mars Glenn Jamieson, a representative of one of the well known and 
In noted families 1 f Urbana. Their union has been blessed with 1 me 
child. Louise, now the wife of Charles Brand. The Major is connected 
with the Masonic fraternity and is one of the most prominent representa- 
tives of the craft in the state. He has held the office of master, high 
priest, tin ice illustrious master and eminent commander in all the h cal 
organizations. In Harmony Ledge, No. 8, F. & A. M.. the Major, bis 
father and grandfather have all served as masters. He has also been 
grand, commander 1 f the Grand Commandery 1 f the Knights Templar 
of < )hio, and on the i8th of February, 1873, obtained the thirty-second 
E the Scottish Kite, while in [885 he received the thirty-third 
1 boston, Massachusetts, being one 1 f the very few who have 
to that rani the 1 ted States. Vs a citizen he is public 
spirit .' 1 local advancement and national progress both 

ti hi hi rl He ha et allowed the accumulation of 

weal ;i'|) his kindh nature, but has a heart \ band clasp and ready 



CEXTEXXIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 251 

smile for all of the old-time friends, as well as those whom he has won 
in later years, lie is indeed an honored and valued native son of Cham- 
paign county and his efforts have contributed to the general good as 
well as to his own individual success. 



BE^ T TAMIX SXAPP. 

One of the prominent old pioneer families of Champaign county is 
that of the Snapps. They have ever borne their part in the upbuilding 
and development of this region, and have invariably been exponents of 
progress and liberal ideas upon all subjects. The grandfather of our 
subject, Rhynard Snapp, was born and reared in Pennsylvania. As 
early as 1806 he came to the Buckeye state, taking up his abode on a 
farm in Montgomery county, and shortly afterward came to Champaign 
county, where he spent the remainder of his life. Daniel Snapp, his 
sun ami the father of our subject, was born in the Keystone state in 
1804, and when only two years of age was brought by his parents to 
Ohio. He was reared and received his education in Montgomerv county, 
and when twenty-one years of age located in the wilds of Jackson town- 
ship, Champaign county, where he secured eighty acres of congress land. 

While residing in Montgomery county Mr. Sua])]) was united in 
marriage to Marguerite Barnhardt, a native also of Pennsylvania, and 
there she was reared and educated. In that commonwealth her parents 
also had their nativity, and they subsequently became numbered among 
the early pioneers of Montgomery county, Ohio. Ten children were 
born unto this union, nine sons anil ,-1 daughter, namely: Solomon; 
Rhynard, deceased; Daniel; William, deceased: Leonard, deceased; 
jamin ; Simon; Catherine ScfiSjamm ; Philip, deceased; and Frank. With 
the exception of one all were burn in Champaign county and all were 



252 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

reared in this locality. Throughout the years of his majority Mr. Snapp 
upheld the principles of the Democracy, and was a member of the Ger- 
man Lutheran church at Saint Paris. He assisted in the erection of 
the house of worship there, anil was one of the founders of the Spring 
Grove Cemetery Association in Johnson township. He passed away at 
the old homestead in 1890, after a long and useful career. 

Benjamin Snapp. whose name introduces this review, is a native si m 
of Jack-' m township, Champaign county, his birth having here occurred 
on the 6th of 'Slay. 1836. When the old home farm was divided he 
loc ited "ii his portion in Johnson township, and as the years have passed' 
by he has cleared and improved his land and has added thereto until 
the family is new the owner of two hundred and sixty-four acres. The 
place is fertile and productive and is considered one of the most valuable 
homesteads in the county. In the year 1863 he was united in marriage 
to Barbara Pence, a native of Concord township. Champaign county, 
and a daughter of Simeon and Elizabeth 1 McMpran) Pence. They also 
claimed this locality as the place of their nativity, and here they spent 
their entire lives. Of their two children Mrs. Snapp is the eldest in 
order of birth, and her brother Russell was killed in a runaway in 1S01. 
By her marriage to Mr. Snapp she has become the mother of one son, 
Gary, who was born on the 7th of May. 1S64. In political affiliations 
Mr. Snapp inclines to the principles of the Republican party. 



J VMKS W. FULTON. 

The hon E this memoir became a resident of Cham- 

paign county in the early pioneer epoch and here he passed the greater 
pi rtion of his sefnl life, fed in aj ural pursuit-, and 




JAHES W. FULTON. 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 255 

red for his sterling character. It is fitting that in this publication 
en a brief tribute to the memory of this worthy pioneer, who has 
now passed to his reward. 

James William Fulton was born in Loudoun county, Virginia, in 
the year 1823, being the son of David Fulton, who came from the 
Old Dominion state to Champaign county, Ohio, in an early day, locat- 
ing on the farm where .Mrs. Fulton, the widow of our subject, now main- 
tain- her home, the same being' situated on section 4, Urbana township. 
Here he continued to devote his attention to agricultural pursuits until 
his death, having- been one of the sterling pioneer- of the county. He 
was originally a Whig- in politics, and later a Republican, and his re- 
ligious faith was that of the Methodist Episcopal church. James W. 
Fulton was nineteen years of age at the time of the family's removal to 
this countv, and he drove a team of horses through from Virginia to the 
new home in the county where he was to pass the remainder of his life. 
He assisted his father in reclaiming the land, putting in a crop the first 
year, continued to abide in the paternal home until his marriage, and 
eventually became the owner of the old homestead, which is now one 
of the well improved and valuable places of this section. Here he con- 
tinued to be successfully engaged in farming for a long term of years, 
winning the respect of all by his integrity of purpose and straightfor- 
ward course, and being one of the substantial farmers of the county. 
In politics he gave a loyal support to the Republican party, and was a 
devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church, as is also his widow, 
who -till maintains her residence on the old homestead, so endeared to 
her by the associations of years. Mr. Fulton passed away in the mouth 
of April. 1893, having attained the age of three score years and ten and 
having made his life prolific in good. 

In the year 1849 M r - Fulton was united in marriage to Miss Anna 
Flick, who was born near Northampton, Ohio, in 1828, being the daugh- 



256 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

ter of Jacob Flick, who was born in Jefferson county, Virginia, whence 
his parents removed to Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, when he was 
but four months of age. He died near Northampton, Ohio, in his 
eighty-sixth year. His wife, whose maiden name was Catherine 
Harshbarger, was likewise born in Virginia, and died at the age of 
seventy-two years and six months, having been the mother of two chil- 
dren. Mr. and Mrs. Fulton became the parents of three children, 
namely Catherine Jane. Mary Ann and Frances Elen, the last men- 
tinned being deceased. 

■» « » 

JAMES K. CHEETHAM. 

James K. Cheetham is a well known and prominent representative 
of business interests in Urbana, and his efforts have been effective in 
promoting commercial activity here. At the same time he has won 
success in his undertakings and has ever been honored by reason of his 
reliable methods. He was born in West Liberty, Ohio, March 5, 1845, 
a son of Richard H. and Mary H. (McCord) Cheetham. The father 
was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1819, and was of Scotch descent, 
the ancestors of the family coming, however, from England to America 
many years ago. In 1839 Richard H. Cheetham took up his abode in 
Champaign county and here he was married to Mar)- H. McCord, a 
daughter of John McCord, also of Pittsburg, and a soldier of the war 
of 1812. Her mother was Sally Kenton, a daughter of Simon Kenton, 
the celebrated explorer. 

In 1844, two years after his marriage, Richard H. Cheetham settled 
in West Liberty, Ohio, where he resided for nineteen years successfully 
engaged in general merchandising. He then returned to Urbana and 
was an honord and respected resident of this city. In his family were- 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 257 

the following children: John A., deceased; James K.. of this review; 
Samuel (>.. a fanner residing near Urbana; Mrs. Robert Young, of 
Urbana; Richard II.. who has passed away; and George H. and Mary 
Catherine, also deceased. 

In taking up the personal history of James K. Cheetham we present 
to our readers the life record of one who is widely and favorably known 
in Champaign county. He was reared and educated in West Liberty 
and his business training was received in his father's store. When his 
parents came to Urbana he was eighteen years of age. His father then 
purchased a bakery and confectionery, doing a wholesale and retail busi- 
ness. He purchased an establishment which had been founded in [838 
by Samuel K. McCorcl, his brother-in-law. Mr. Cheetham, Sr., had 
learned the baker's trade in Pittsburg. Pennsylvania, and here con- 
ducted his new enterprise from 1863 until 1882. During that time our 
subject remained! in his father's service and at the latter date became 
owner of the bakery which he has now conducted for twenty years. Pie 
is most proficient in all the details of the trade. His bakery, which is 
twenty by seventy feet in dimensions, is a model of neatness and con- 
venience and is supplied with the best ovens made. He has a weekly 
capacity of more than ten thousand loaves of bread, besides cakes and 
crackers. He manufactures all kinds of breadstuff s, crackers, cakes and 
pies, and the excellence of his products, together with his splendid busi- 
ness ability and honorable dealing, has secured to him a most liberal 
patronage. He is also a director in the Ohio Strawboard Company, the 
Home Loan Company, and is interested in farming. It will thus be 
seen that his efforts have never been limited to one line, but have been 
directed along thr.se channels of industry whereby he has won success 
and has also contributed to the public prosperity. 

In 1868 Mr. Cheetham was married to Miss Laura J. Coulson, a 
daughter of Joseph Coulson. and their children are Mrs. Ada L Downey 



258 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

and Joseph K. At the time of the Civil war Mr. Cheetham was con- 
nected with the famous "Squirrel Hunters" in 1862. and in 1864 he 
became a member of Company A, One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Vol- 
unteer Infantry, which went to the front for one hundred days service 
and remained for four months. He is identified with W. A. Brand 
Post, G. A. R., in which he formerly served as commander, and for 
twenty-three years has been an active member of the Royal Arcanum. 
He takes a deep and earnest interest in political affairs, supporting the 
Republican party, and for one term was a member of the council, and 
is now serving as president of the cemetery board. To him there has 
come the attainment of a distinguished position in connection with the 
great material industries of the county, and his efforts have been so 
discerningly directed along well defined lines that he seems to have 
realized at any one point of progress the full measure of his possibilities 
i"« > 1 accomplishment at that point. A man of distinct and forceful indi- 
viduality, of broad mentality and most mature judgment, he has left and 
is leaving his impress upon the industrial world. For years he has 
been an important factor in the development of the natural resources of 
the state, in the upbuilding of Urbana and in the promotion of the 
enterprises which add not alone to his individual prosperity, but also 
advance the general welfare and prosperity of the city in which he 
makes his home. 



JOHN P. HANCE. 

In the attractive city of Urbana resides John Perry Hance. who is 
a representative of pioneer families of the Buckeye state and who is 
numbered among the successful and influential citizens of the count}. 
He has been engaged in business in Urbana for a period of twenty 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 259 

years, and by his own efforts has attained a success worthy the name 
and a high place in the confidence and esteem of the community. Mr. 
Hance is a native son of Ohio, having been born in a pioneer log cabin 
in Elizabeth township, Miami county, on the 8th of December, 1854. 
the son of Alfred and Elizabeth (Miller) Hance, of whose family of 
ten children only one is deceased. The paternal grandfather, Benjamin 
Hance, was born in Kentucky, whence he came to Obi" in an early day, 
being one of the pioneer settlers in Miami county, where his son Alfred 
was horn, and where he entered the military service of his country dur- 
ing the war of 1S12. Jonathan Miller, the maternal grandfather of 
our subject, was numbered among the early settlers of Clark county, 
and there occurred the birth of his daughter Elizabeth, so that both fam- 
ilies have been long identified with the annals of Ohio history. Alfred 
Hance devoted his life to agricultural pursuits, having individually 
cleared a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in the early days, and hav- 
ing been successful in his efforts, accumulating a good property and 
being known as an upright man and sterling citizen. Both he and ins 
wife are now deceased. He manifested his patriotism by enlisting for 
service during the war of the Rebellion, and after its close disposed of 
his original farm and purchased another, near Fletcher, Miami county, 
where he passed the residue of his life. 

John Perry Hance. the immediate subject of this sketch, was reared 
under the sturdy and invigorating discipline of the farm, and his educa- 
tional advantages were such as were afforded in the district scln.nK of 
the place and period. In 1876 he left the homestead farm and came 
to Urbana. having not a penny of capital hut being well fortified with 
energy, self-reliance and determinate purpose. Upon thus coming to 
Champaign county he secured employment in a country grocery, where 
he remained for a few weeks. Hie Centennial exposition, in Phila- 
delphia, was then in progress, and the young man became imbued with 



2 6o CEXTEXXIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

the desire of seeing the same and learning somewhat mure of the world, 
and he valiantly set forth for the "City of Brotherly Love," having no 
money but being successful in working his way through to his destina- 
tion. He visited Philadelphia and other eastern cities and alter an 
absence of one month returned to Urbana, where he devoted his atten- 
tion during the ensuing winter to acting as a salesman of 
machines, while the next year he did effective service in selling agri- 
cultural implements. Finally he entered the employ of J. C. Coulson, 
dealer in groceries and queensware, remaining thus engaged for a period 
of six years, within which he became thoroughly familiar with all details 
of the business and thus laid the foundations for his future success. His 
marriage occurred in the year 1882, and shortly afterward he engaged in 
the groceiy business on his own responsibility. By careful and dis- 
criminating management and correct business methods he made the enter- 
prise a profitable one from the time of its inception, and he has ever 
since continued operations in the line, controlling a fine trade and having 
a finely equipped establishment, with a select and comprehensive stock. 
As his resources were augmented Air. Hance made judicious invest- 
ments in real estate, and through the same he has realized excellent 
returns. At the present time he is the owner of an excellent farm in this 
county, is a stockholder in local banking institutions and is known as 
one of the progressive and public-spirited citizens and business men 
of his home city. He is distinctively the architect of his own fortunes, 
and is deserving of credit for the aide and upright manner in which lie 
has forged his way forward to the goal of determinate success. In 
politics Mr. Hance gives his allegiance to the Republican party, and 
fraternally he is identified with Champaign Lodge. No. 525, A. F. & 
A. M. lie and his wife are members of the First P.aptist church and 
he is trustee of the same at the present time, taking a deep and abiding 
interest in its work. 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 261 

On the 19th of June. 18S2, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. 
1 [ance to Miss Clara Downer, daughter of Rev. John R. Downer, pastor 
of the First Baptist church in Urbana at that time. She was born in 
Zanesville, < )hio, hut was reared in the state of Xew York and completed 
her education in Philadelphia. Air. and Mrs. Hance have two children, 
— Perrv and Lillian. 



GEORGE S. KLAPP, Deceased. 

A life of signal usefulness and honor has heen that of the subject 
of this review, who passed the greater portion of his life in Champaign 
county engaged in agricultural pursuits, and who hecame the owner of 
a valuable farmstead in Johnson township. 

Air. Klapp was a native of the state of Maryland, having been born 
in Washington county on the 7th of May, 1826, so that he had passed 
the psalmist's span of three score years and ten, though he retained up 
to the last marked vigor in both mind and body and was a type of that 
virile strength which is begotten of the sturdy and invigorating dis- 
cipline incidental to the art of husbandry. He was a son of Rev. George 
Klapp. who was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, in the year 1801, 
and was there reared and educated, learning the trade of tailoring. 
After his marriage he removed to Maryland, where he remained until 
about 1832, when he emigrated to Ohio, locating at Dayton, where he 
continued to follow his trade. Finally he went to Miamisburg. Mont- 
gomery county, where he studied theology and .prepared himself for the 
ministry of the Lutheran church, of which he had long been a devoted 
member. He preached his first sermon in Saint Paris. Champaign 
county, about the year 1839, an d thereafter continued in the active work 
of the ministry, in connection with farming, until his death, in 1842, 



-262 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

having been a man of a high order of intellectuality and having made his 
life a power for good in all its relations, in Hagerstown, Maryland, 
Rev. George Klapp was united in marriage to Miss Lydia Newman, who 
was born and reared, in that state, and they became the parents of seven 
children, namely: Mary, deceased; Jeremiah, who likewise is deceased; 
George S., the subject of this sketch, now deceased; and Lizzie, Luther, 
Sarah and Martin, deceased. All the children were born in Maryland 
except the youngest, who was a native of Champaign county. 

Our subject was a lad of about five years when the family removed 
from Maryland to Dayton, where he attended the public schools, as did 
he later in Miamisburg during the family's residence in that place. In 
1839 the family located on the farm which he afterward owned, and 
though our subject thereafter made various removals to other farms in 
the locality and was for one year engaged in the grocery business in 
Saint Paris he finally returned to his late homestead in 1853. He and 
his father cleared fifty-eight acres and placed the same under cultiva- 
tion, and the place at the present time comprises sixty-two acres, the 
land ! icing of the utmost productivity and the enterprise having yielded 
to cur subject the best of returns for the labors he had expended. 

( >n the 10th of January, 1850, Mr. Klapp was united in marriage 
to Miss Amanda M. Briggs, who was born in Berks county, Pennsyl- 
vania, on the 3d of November, 1831, and who was there reared to the 
age of twelve years, when she accompanied her parents on their removal 
to Champaign county. Ohio, locating in Saint Paris. Her father. Jacob 
J. Briggs, was born in Pennsylvania October 4. 1804, and there was 
celebrated his marriage to Ann Eliza Blakey, who likewise was a native 
of the old Keystone state, and they became the parents of nine chil- 
dren, namely: Samuel B. (deceased), Mary E., George W., Amanda 
M. (Mrs. Klapp). Letitia W., William Henry. Joseph C. (deceased), 
Rachel C. and Rose E. All were born in Pennsylvania except the young- 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 263 

est. To Mr. and Mrs. Klapp eight children have been born, of whom 
Benjamin E., Florence and Mary L. are deceased. Those surviving are 
Lydia O.. Sarah E.. Madora, Susana M. and Margaret, all having been 
horn and reared in Johnson township. The family are members of the 
Lutheran church at St. Paris, with whose organization our subject was 
identified, while he was prominently concerned in the erection of the 
present church edifice and was ever active in the work of the organiza- 
tion. His political allegiance was given to the Democratic party, and 
he served for fourteen years as supervisor of his township and for six- 
teen years as a member of the board of school directors of his district. 
No man in the community commanded more unqualified confidence and 
esteem, and we are pleased h 1 incorporate this brief tribute to one of 
the sterling old citizens of Champaign county. 



WILLIAM R. WARNOCK. 

With the judicial and political history of Champaign county the 
name of the Honorable William R. Warnock is inseparately interwoven, 
and his reputation is not limited by the confines of this district. His 
oirse is one which reflects credit upon the state by which he has been 
honored and his life record, constitutes an important element in the 
events which form the annals of this portion of Ohio. In a profession 
where advancement depends entirely upon individual merit, upon strong- 
intellectuality and close application he occupies a place of eminence. 

Mr. Warnock was born August 29, 1838, and is a son of the Rev. 
David and Sarah A. 1 Hitt) Warnock His father was born in Ireland 
February 14, 1810, and when eighteen years of age crossed the Atlantic 
to thf new world, continuing his education in Strongsville Academy, 



264 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

near Cleveland, Ohio. Determining to devote his life to the work of 
the ministry, he became a member of the Ohio conference of the Meth- 
odist church in [S32. For a number of years he served as pastor of 
various churches in this state, and about 1857 came to Urbana, making 
a permanent location here, lie had previously been pastor of the church 
here and now became presiding elder of his district. During the last 
years of his life he occupied superannuated relations to the church, yet 
was frequently found in the pulpit delivering the message of Chris- 
tianity to those who sought to know its truths. His reputation and his 
influence were of no restricted order, and he was widely recognized as 
one of the leading divines of the Methodist ministry in the middle part 
of the nineteenth century. In 1837 he married Sarah A. 1 lilt, a woman 
whose beautiful Christian character proved a potent element for good 
in every community in which she lived. By her marriage she became 
the mother of nine children. 

That William R. Warnock, one of this family, is a man of scholar!) 
attainments and broad general learning is due entirely to his own efforts, 
for through the means won by teaching and in other employment he 
provided for the education which he obtained after completing the com 
mon school course. In July, Sm. he was graduated in the Ohio 
Wesleyan University at Delaware, and having determined to make the 
practice of law his life work he began preparation for the bar a 
student in the office of Judge Ichabod Corwin. After a few months, 
bowever, he put aside business and personal interests that lie niigln 
aid in the preservation of the Union and recruited a company of which 
he was commissioned captain in July. [862. It was assigned to the 
Ninety-fifth Ohio Infantry and after one year's service Mr. Warnock 
was made major in recognition of his gallant and meritorious conducl 
on the field of battle. At the battle of Nashville, in December, 1' 
he was promoted to the rank" of lieutenant colonel and assigned to duty 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 265 

as chief of staff for the eastern district of the Mississippi, working 
in that capacity until August, [865, when he was mustered out of the 
service. During the three years and two months in which he was con- 
nected with the army he was never away from his regiment except on 
of absence for twenty days, and he participated in all the marches, 
skirmishes and battles in which that command displayed its allegiance 
to the Union cause. 

At the close of hostilities, Mr. Wamock returned to Urbana and 
resumed his law studies, under Judge Corwin, being admitted to the 
bar in May, 1866. X" dreary novitiate awaited him. It was not long 
before he had acquired a good practice. lie entered into partnership 
with George M. Ekhelberger, and the association has been maintained 
ci ntinuously since, with the exception of a period when Mr. \\ arnock 
was < n the bench. In [879 he was elected on the Republican ticket to 
the position of judge of the court of common pleas, and acted in that 
capacit) until 1889. His decisions were strictly fair and impartial and 
displayed marked legal knowledge. From 1868 until [872 be held the 
ofhce of prosecuting attorney in Champaign county. On leaving the 
bench he again took up the private practice of law and his clientage is 
of a distinctively representative character. He has been connected with 
much of the important litigation brought in the court- of hi- district 
and his strength in argument, his li gical reasoning and lit- just con- 
have made him one of the most successful lawyer- practicing at 
the Champaign county bar. 

t868 the Judge was united in marriage to Miss Kate Murray, 
county. Ohio, and they have three children: Clifford: Ann 
fat! id Elizabeth. The Judge and his wife hold member-hip 

in the Methodist Episcopal church and he is identified with W. A. 
Brand Post, X . 107, G. A. R.. and of the Loyal Legi >n, in which he 
served for t\ = as junior commander, while at the present time 



266 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

he is commander, a fact which indicates his popularity among his com- 
rades who wore the blue. Fraternally he is connected with Harmony 
Lodge, No. 35, F. & A. M., has attained the Templar degree of the 
York Kites and lias taken all of the degrees of the Scottish Rite ex- 
cept the thirty-third degree. He has always been a stanch advocate 
of Republican principles and aside from the offices in the line of his 
profession which he has filled he has been honored with other positions 
of public trust. In 1875 he was elected to represent his district in the 
state senate and when Governor Hayes was about to leave Columbus 
and go tn Washington, there to be inaugurated as president of the 
United States, the general assembly of Ohio tendered the president- 
elect a farewell reception and to Air. Warnock was unanimously given 
the high honor of making the farewell address on that occasion on behalf 
of the senate. In 1900 our subject was elected a member of congress. 
In the legislative halls of state and nation he ha- given earnest and care-^ 
ful consideration to every question which has come up for settlement 
and his course has been marked by loyal patriotism and statesmanship 
and he has ever placed the nation's welfare before personal considera- 
tions and the good of the people before self-aggrandizement. The ju- 
dicial and political honors and success which he has gained have been 
well merited and are but the just recognition of superior ability. 



R< >GER H. MURPHEY. 



In viewing the mas- of mankind in the varied occupations of life, 

the conclusion is forced upon the observer that in the vast majority of 

case- men have sought employment not in the line • 1' their peculiar fit- 

, but -in those fields where caprice or circumstances have placed them, 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 269 

thus explaining' the reason of the failure of ninety-live per cent, of those 
who enter commercial and professional circles. In a few cases it seem- 
that men with a peculiar fitness for a certain line have taken it up and 
marked success has followed. Such is the fact in the ease of the subjeel 
cf this biography. He is now serving as postmaster of Urbana. 

Mr. Murphey was born in this city, December 23, 1852, and is a 
son of Charles 11. and Sophia B. (Long) Murphey. His father was horn 
in Scotland, January 12, 1S17, and died in Urbana, January 12, 1891. 
He was of Scotch-Irish lineage and his birthplace was within two miles 
of where Robert Burns was born. In the year, 1843, be came to America, 
taking up his abode in Cincinnati, Ohio. Shortly afterward, however, 
he removed to Peoria, Illinois, where he remained for several years, be- 
ing employed in a distillery, having previously learned that business in 
his native country. The same line of occupation claimed his attention 
on Mad River, Ohio, for a number of years. In 1852 he was married 
in Cincinnati to Miss Sophia B. Long, who was born in Germany and 
came to the United States when a little maiden of six summers with her 
father. They landed at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and afterward re- 
moved to Cincinnati, where she remained until her marriage. Mr. 
Murphey brought his bride to Urbana and here spent his remaining 
days. For several years he was superintendent of the James cemetery, 
subsequently purchased the cemetery property and for several years was 
engaged in the nursery and greenhouse business, which he followed until 
about a year prior to his death, when he sold out to his son. the subject 
oi this review. His careful management and keen discernment in 
Dusiness affairs had made him successful and his honorable methods had 
gained for him the respect and confidence of those with whom he was 
associated. His death occurred in this city. January 12. [81 His 

widow still survives him and is living in Urbana at the age of seventy 
years. In their family were five sons and one daughter: Roger II.. 

14 



2-jo CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

Charles H., Ella C, Walter T.. George C. and Thomas L. The father 
was a member of the United Brethren church, while his widow belongs 
to the Lutheran church. 

Roger H. Murphey, whose name introduces this record, was horn 
and reared in the city of Urbana, and pursued his education in the pub- 
lic schools. In his youth he assisted his father in the greenhouse and in 
the conduct of the nursery. At one time he spent five years away from 
home, visiting France in 1874. He spent some time in the best green- 
houses of that country, in order to familiarize himself with the methods 
of carrying on business there. He is now the owner of one of the three 
greenhouses of Urbana, having become his father's successor in June, 
1890, at which time his brother, W. T. Murphey. also owned an interest 
in the business, but the following year our subject became sole proprietor. 
Since that time the volume of trade has largely increased and the facili- 
ties he has enlarged to meet the present demands. He now has fifteen 
thousand feet under glass and the prosperity of the undertaking is con- 
tinually growing. He raises all kinds of plants and has distributed these 
through operating florists in Canada and throughout this country from 
Maine to California. He makes a specialty of raising roses for the 
wholesale trade. At the present day he is associated with his son under 
the firm name of U. 11. Murphey & Son. 

hi 1878 ocurred the marriage of our subject ami Miss Anna C. 
Keller, of Urbana. They have four children. Charles R., who is his 
father's partner; Mary E. ; E. Frank; and William M. In his political 
views Mr. Murphey is a pronounced Republican, for two years served 
as chairman of the executive committee oi the county and was a member 
of the s' L ;ite central committee. His opinions carry weight in the councils 
of his parly and for thirteen years he served as treasurer of the state 
central committee. He was appointed by President McKinley a special 
agent of the rural free deliver) service and acted in that capacitv for 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 271 

eighteen months when in Aprii, 1899, he was appointed postmaster of 
LJrbana. He is now discharging the duties of that office in a most com- 
mendable manner, his administration being prompt and business-like. 
He is connected with the Masons, the Knights of Pythias, the Independ- 
ent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Junior Order of American Me- 
chanics. His connection with any undertaking insures a prosperous out- 
come of the same, for it is in his nature to carry forward to successful 
completion whatever he undertakes. He has earned for himself an en- 
viable reputation as a careful man of business, and in his dealings is 
known for prompt and honorable methods which have won him the 
deserved and unbounded confidence of his fellow-men. 



DAVID KENFIELD. 

Among the agriculturists who became identified with the interests 
of Champaign county in pioneer days, and with the passing years aided 
m the development and improvement of this section of the state was 
J >a\ id Kenfield, now deceased. He was a worthy, intelligent and en- 
terprising citizen, one of those whom the Empire state furnished to 
Ohio. He was born in Genesee county. New York, February 11, 1829, 
but when only eleven years of age he was taken by his parents. Xehemiah 
and Sallie Ann ( Canfield ) Kenfield, to Michigan, where the son David 
grew to years of maturity and was married. At the time of the dis- 
covers of gold in California he became imbued with the "fever," and 
accordingly went overland to the coast, a part of the journey being made 
on horseback, and there he followed mining for two vears, on the ex- 
piration of which period he returned to Michigan, five hundred dollars 
better off than when he started. In 1855 he came with his wife and 
children to Champaign county, locating at Woodstock. He was a potter 



272 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

by trade, having learned that art in Michigan, and in that line lie be- 
came an expert workman. After his arrival in Woodstock he built the 
first tile factory ever put into operation in the state, which enterprise 
pn ved eminently successful, and hi- output was in great demand by 
the farmers throughout the surrounding country, hi- efforts thus 1 'ring- 
ing to him a snug little fortune. His products were often exhibited at 
the state fairs, where they invariably wuii first premium,-. Mr. Iveniield 
o ntinued in this business until 1871, but prior to that time, in 1868, 
he had purchased one hundred and thirty-one acre- O'f land east of 
Woodstock, where his widow and children now reside, and from 1871 
until the nine of his death he devoted his attention to the cultivation of 
his farm. During that time he also bought and si Id other lands. 

By his first marriage Mr. Kenfield became the father of five chil- 
dren, namely: Frances, who died at the age of twenty year-: Sylvia, 
who married Sylvanus Dix and now resides in Kansas; Sallie Ann, 
who died in infancy: Chester, of Lafayette, Indiana: and Marion. The 
wife ami mother was called to the home beyond in 1861, and three years 
later, on the 24th of May, 1863, Mr. Kenfield married Euseoia Kegina 
Dix, who was born in Union township, Champaign county, Ohio, May 
25, 1838. Her father, Clark Dix, was born in Wayne count}. Penn- 
sylvania, where he was a shoemaker by trade, and there married Clarissa 
Thankful' Clough, also a native of that county. Their mrriage was 
celebrated on the 9th of March. 1837, and in the following spring they 
started in a one-horse wagon for the Buckeye state, bringing with them 
their per-- ma] effects and a few hundred dollars in money. They reac 11 d 
Columbus at the time the corner-stone of the state house was being laid. 
Not being plea-ed with the outlook this section then presented, Mr. Dix 
left his family here and pi 1 his i> urney al ne to Missi nri. in 

quest of a better location. That was before the da) 1 railr ads, and 
he probably n I part of the j urney b} stage. Not finding the object 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 273 

of his search in that commonwealth he accordingly returned to Cham- 
paign countv. and for several years thereafter worked as a farm em- 
ploye. He later purchased a small farm in Rush township, which lie- 
came their permanent home, and there Mr. Dix passed away in death on 
the 6th of July. 1890, at the age of seventy-five years. His wife sur- 
vived him until the 23d of April. 190T, when she. too, was called to 
her final rest, passing away at the age of eighty-five years. Unto this 
worthy couple were horn nine children, eight of whom grew to years 
of maturity, namely: Eusebia Regina, now Mrs. Kenheld : Clark, now 
a wealthy man of Marion, Ohio; Clarissa, wife of Frank Willoughby, 
who was killed at Richmond, Kentucky, during the Civil war after which 
his widow married D. Fay, of Iowa; John A., a physician in the state of 
Washington; Samantha. who married Pearl Smith, of Woodstock; 
Sylvanus, who ran away from home at the age of fourteen years to en- 
list in the Union army: Benjamin, a resident of Kansas: and Peter, of 
l.iwa. J( ihn A. and Clark also served their country during the Civil war, 
and the former was incarcerated in Andersonville prison for nine months. 
The latter was in the signal service for four years. 

Mrs. Kenheld attended the common schools of Champaign county 
during her girlhood, and there fitted herself for the teacher's profession, 
which she followed for eight tears in the public schools. She received 
her first certificate to teach when only sixteen years of age. and her 
ability to impart to others the know ledge she had received soon won her 
recognition in this calling, giving her rank among the prominent edu- 
cators of the county. She is a prominent member of the Universalist 
church at Woodstock, and throughout all the relations of life has ever 
discharged her duties with unswerving faithfulness. Mr. Kenheld was 
also a worthy member of that denomination, and in his political views 
was a stanch Republican. During the Civil war he gave freely of his 
means to preserve the Union, and for a number of years served his town- 



274 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

ship with efficiency as its trustee. He neglected no duty of citizenship 
and was always foremost in support of any movement calculated to 
prove of public benefit. His death occurred on the 6th of February, 
1879, when he had reached the age of forty-nine years, eleven months 
and twenty-six days, and many friends mourned the loss oi one whom 
they had learned to respect and admire. In his fraternal relations he 
was a member of North Lewisburg Lodge, F. <S: A. M., and also of the 
Woodstock Lodge of Odd Fellows. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Kenfield were 
born nine children, seven of whom are still living, as follows: Clara, 
the wife of George Hann, of West Jefferson, Ohio, now a prominent 
stock dealer at Woodstock, Champaign county; they have one child, 
Dorothy Dix, aged ten years; Scott D., a prominent and successful at- 
torney of Akron, Ohio; Lura Dale, Ross and John McDonald, at home; 
Mary Moore, the wife of Frank Tulley. of Urbana, Ohio, now an elec- 
trician in Chicago; and Melva S.. who received her education in the pub- 
lic schools of Woodstock and Milford Center, graduating in the high 
school at the latter place, and is now a prominent and successful teacher 
of Woodstock. Two others, twins, died at birth. 

Ross Kenfield is now carrying on the work of the home farm. He 
is thoroughly versed in the work of his calling, and is also well informed 
along other lines, being recognized as one of the leading business men 
of Champaign county. He was united in marriage to Lucy Huffman, 
of North Lewisburg, and they have one child, Rene Doris. In his fra- 
ternal relations Mr. Kenfield is also a member of North Lewisburg 
Lodge, F. & A. M. 



WILLIAM SI'EECE. 

The deserved reward of a well spent life is an horn red retirement 
from business in which to enjoy the fruits of former toil, and now. after 
a useful and beneficent career. Mr. Speece is quietly living at his pleasant 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 275 

l„ mestead in Champaign county, sum unded by the comforts that earn- 
est labor has brought to him. He was born in Harrison township, 
Champaign county, December 25, 1814. His father, Peter Speece, was 
a fiative son of the Old Dominion, where he was reared and received his 
education, and in an early day came to Champaign county. Ohio, but 
alter remaining here a short time removed to Indiana, there spending 
the remainder of his life. His wife, who was also a native of Virginia, 
came to Champaign county with her husband, and she. too, departed this 
life in Indiana. This worthy couple became the parents of twelve chil- 
dren, eight sons and four daughters. 

William Speece. the eleventh child and seventh son in the above 
family, assisted his father in the cultivation 1 f the home farm until he 
reached his twenty-first year, and for the following ten years be resided 
on his father-in-law's farm. He then became the owner of eighty acres 
of partially improved land in Harrison township, on which he made his 
home for about thirty years, and during that time succeeded in clearing 
the greater part of bis farm and placing it under an excellent state of 
cultivation. After disposing of bis interests there he became the owner 
of his present valuable homestead of four hundred acres, the most of 
which he has cleared and improved. Here he continued to direct .bis 
energies until 188 1', when, having acquired a sufficient ci mpetence. 
he laid aside business cares and retired to private life. 

The year 1836 witnessed the marriage of Mr. Speece and Miss 
Elizabeth Mclntire. She was born in Harrison township, Champaign 
county, in 1817. and her entire life has been spent in this locality. Her 
father. Thomas Mclntire. was a native of Virginia, but in a very early 
da.) located in Champaign county, where be was one of the first set- 
tlers. He was married in his native state to Mis- Mary Ann Dick, and 
-he. too. was born in the Old Dominion. They became the parent- oi 
twelve children, five of whom were born before the family lett their 



276 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

southern home. Ten children have blessed the union of our subject and 
wife, namely : Rose, Thomas. Sally, Samantha. Marguerite, William 
Henry. Edna Jane, David, Lennie and Jacob. All were born and reared 
in Champaign county, and with the exception of the eldest, who has 
passed away, all are married. Mr. and Mrs. Speece are members of 
the United Brethren church at Rosewood, and its beneficent and helpful 
principles are exemplified in their daily lives. 



JAMES M. MOSGROYh. M. D. 

Fortunate is the man who has back of him an ancestry honoi ' • 
am 1 distinguished, and happy is he if his lines of life are cast in harm 
therewith. In person, in talents and in character, Dr. Mosgrove is a 
worthy representative of his race, and in bis life he is carrying on the 
noble work begun by bis father. Dr. Adam Mosgrove, so long and hon- 
ored and prominent a physician of Urbana. The subject of this review 
was born in Urbana in i^_'5 anil acquired his early training in the com- 
mon schools of this city, subsequentl) studying medicine with his father, 
and was graduated in the Ohio Medical College in the spring of 1N10. 
Immediately afterward he began the practice of his profession in con- 
nection with his father and foi many vears took an active part in the 
work oi the alleviation of human suffering. Of late years, however, he 
has gradually withdrawn from active practice and now attends only to 
the professional duties in the homes where people are loath to give him 
up. on account of his long service as a family physician. I [e gained high 
rank in his profession and now belongs to the Champaign county and 
Ohio State Medical Societies, also the American Medical Association. 

lake his father, Dr. Mosgrove, of this review, is an exemplary 







&<r 




'/rvW 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 279 

Mas- hi. who in his life closely follows the tenets and teachings of the 
order. In his political views he is a Democrat, believing firmly in the 
principles of the party. He has clone much to advance the prosperity 
and stable upbuilding of his native city and is deservedly popular. In 
1890 he erected the Mosgrove building of Urbana, a large structure, ami 
has otherwise contributed to the development here. For over twenty 
vears he has been connected with the Perpetual Savings and Building As- 
sociation, and for five or six years has been its president. In 1900 he 
was elected president of the Citizens" National Bank and has since con- 
tinued in that capacity. He is also the vice-president of the Ohio State 
Strawboard Association. The Doctor is a man of resourceful business 
ability, with keen insight and sagacity, and is notably prompt, energetic 
and reliable and bn » iks in 1 1 obstacles that can be overcome by earnest and 
persistent effort. While his labors have brought to him creditable and 
desirable success he is a typical American citizen, who. while working 
*for his own advancement, has contributed in no small degree to the gen- 
eral prosperity. His manner is pleasant and he is genial in disposition. 



ALEXANDER F. VANCE. 

In the history of Urbana, its upbuilding and its progress, the name 
of Alexander F. Vance figures conspicuously and honorably. He was 
born August 25, 1S11. and died on the 13th of February. 1889. when 
in the seventy-eighth year of his age. His parents were Governor Jo- 
seph and Alary (Lemon) Vance. His birthplace was what has been 
known through long years as the Governor Vance Farm. In the usual 
manner of farm lads of the period the boy was reared and in the districl 
schools of the neighborhood began the education which he continued in 



280 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

the old Miami University. After his marriage he lived on what is kn» »\vn 
as the Eichotz farm for several years and then removed to Saratoga, 
Ohio, where he took charge of a mill, conducting its operation until 
a short time before his father's death. His share of his father'- estate 
was the old farm homestead, and thereon Alexander F. Vance remained 
until 1859. He removed to Urbana after having sold the farm. From 
that time until his death he was a well known figure in the city, respecte 1 
by ail for his genuine worth. 

Mr. Vance took in trade for his farm a hat store which was then 
located in a frame building which stood in the southeast corner of the 
public square. He only retained possession of this, however, until the 
stock was sold out. Called to 1 public office he was long- a prominent 
representative of the county's interests along judicial lines. It was in 
[861 that he was elected probate judge of Champaign county and his 
service in that office is almost unparalleled in the history of the state. 
for he continued in the position through six consecutive terms, leaving 
the office in 1879. He was the second probate judge elected under the 
new constitution, hut that he proved a most capable, faithful and just 
official is indicated by bis long continuance in the position. No higher 
testimonial of his ability could be given and he left office as he had en- 
tered it, with the confidence and good will of all concerned. After his 
retirement from the bench he was engaged in no active or professional 
business but enjoyed a well earned rest throughout the remainder of his 
earthly pilgrimage. 

( in the 6th of August. 1835, Judge Vance was united in marriage 
to Mi>s Mary R. Ward, a daughter of Colonel William Ward, who 
resided upon a neighboring farm. Their marriage relation was an ideal 
one. their mutual love and confidence increasing as the years passed. 
They celebrated their golden wedding marking the close of a half century 
of happy married life. The children of this union were William YV., 



CENTENNIAL' BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 281 

now deceased; Joseph C, of Chattanooga ; A. F., who is represented 
on another page of this book; John, also a resident of Chattanooga; 
II. Colwell, who is living in Urbana ; Mrs. Rev. John Wbods, ( 1 Lud- 
ington, Michigan; Mrs. Thomas C. Berry and Ella P. Five other chil- 
dren have departed this life. One child died in infancy and am ther at 
the age of seven, while Ed was accidentally shot about the beginning of 
the late war. Major D. M. Vance died in March, 1887, and Elizabeth 
in April of the following year. The relation between father and children 
was a most happy one, for he was not only their guide and counsellor, 
but their friend. 

fudge Vance took a deep and active interest in every movement and 
measure calculated to benefit his community and advance its upbuilding. 
He was very prominent in military affairs at an early date and under the 
1 M military organization of the state served as adjutant general of militia 
for his district. When the war broke out he raised a company for serv- 
ice at the front and was elected its captain. This command was mus- 
tered in at Camp McArthur and offered its services to the government 
at once, but as the quota was already filled the offer was not accepted and 
circumstances forbade Judge Vance from again enlisting, but he was 
ably and nobly represented in the great conflict by four of his sons. 
His loyalty all through the years of his active and useful life was above 
question and his devotion to his country furnished an example well 
worthy of emulation. The Judge was a very prominent Mason, hav- 
ing become a member of the order in Harmony Lodge, May 15. 1845. 
Steadily he advanced through the various degrees and in his life ex- 
emplified the beneficent teachings of the fraternity. He also took the 
degrees of the Chapter, and in that organization filled many offices in 
a most capable manner. He also received the three degrees of Cryptic 
Miasonry and became a templar in 1869. Again official honors and 
duties were conferred upon him. He believed most firmly in the teach- 



282 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

ings of the craft, which are based upon the brotherhood of man and the 
fatherhood of God. and while lie was well informed concerning the work 
of the lodge room he also exemplified in his daily life the true spirit of 
Masonry. In September, 1850, he became a member of the First Meth- 
odist church of Urbana, but later united with the First presbytefian 
church and his life was that of a faithful, constant Christian. Fi [865 
he wa^ chosen a ruling elder and remained continually in that office 
until 1880. when, at his own request, he was omitted from the b 
As long as his health remained he was a regular attendant on the church 
services, but for five months prior to his demise he was not able to leave 
his home. He had firm and unbounded faith in a future life and wel- 
comed his release from pain not as one who enters upon the unknown, 
but as one who goes to his old home. Devoted in his attachment to his 
wife and children, faithful to his friends, loyal in citizenship, honorable 
in business and conscientious in his church life, his was a noble ex- 
ample which made the world better for his having lived. 



BENJAMIN F. HARRIS. 

In the early settlement and subsequent history of Champaign county 
the ancestors of Benjamin F. Harris were prominent. His grandfa 
ther, George Harris, was a native of Virginia, but as early as 1806 
came to the Buckeye state, locating in what i- now Champaign county. 
Ik- established his home on Darby creek, in Rush township, five miles 
above Milford Center, and the family were among the first to locate 
in the county. Daniel Harris, the father of our subject, was a],,, a 
native of Virginia, his birth there occurring in 1800. and he was hut 
six years of age when he was brought by his parents to this state. Ik- 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 283 

was reared and married in Champaign county, and his last days were 
spent in Salem township, where he died at the age of eighty-four years. 
His lather was a birth-right member of the Friends church, but he 
united with the Christian church, and both were lifelong farmer-. Daniel 
Harris married Sibyl B. Lathrop, a native of Connecticut, as was also 
her lather, Benjamin Lathrop. and when she was thirteen years of age 
her parent- located in Union county, Ohio. Her death occurred when 
she was seventy-six years of age. Of their nine children, six sons and 
three daughters, six grew to years of maturity, and our subject was the 
fourth son and seventh child in order of birth. 

Benjamin F. Harris, the only representative of his family in Cham- 
paign count v, enlisted for service in the Civil war in 1864, joining Com- 
pany F, Thirty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in which he served until 
his discharge, in July, 1865. lie entered the ranks as a corporal, but 
fi r meritorious service was promoted to first sergeant and was later 
made a second lieutenant. During his military career he took part 
in many of the hard-fought battles of the war, was with Sherman on his 
celebrated march to the sea and participated in the grand review at 
Washington. On his return from the army he located in Union town- 
ship, Union county, Ohio, where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits 
for a number of years, and in 1882 came with his family to his present 
location, purchasing a portion of the John Enoch farm. His landed 

1 ssions now consist of four hundred and six and a half acre-. He 
has improved hi- farm, and has long been numbered among the prac- 
tical and thrifty farmer- of his locality. 

On die 6th 'i April. [866, .Mr. Harris was united in marriage 
; Laura Webb, a native of Clark county. Ohio, and a daughter of VV. 
R. and Harriet (Clark) Webb, natives of Connecticut. Their mar- 
riage was celebrated in Clark county, and they became the p; 
seven children, of whom Mr-. Harris was the th rder of birth. 



284 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

She was but three years of age when she was taken by her parents to 
Union county, Ohio, and in its public schools received her early educa- 
tion, while later she became a student in the Marysville high school. 
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Harris have been born three sons. The eldest, 
Emiuitt, married Maud Dixon and resides in Seattle. Washington, where 
lie is general manager of an agency for the National Cash Register 
Company, of Dayton, Ohio. William R. married Leona Black, and 
they have two daughters, lna and Ruby. He is also employed with the 
National Cash Register Company. Charles P. has also left his home 
and works in connection with his brothers. In his political preference 
Mr. Harris is a stanch Republican, ami is always loyal in his support 
of all measures calculated to benefit the community or the general pub- 
lic. For a long period he served as a member of the township school 
board, and while a resident of Union county served as the trustee of 
Union township. In his fraternal relations he is a member of Poysell 
Post, No. 103, G. A. R., in which he has filled many of the offices. 



DANIEL JAMES. 

Champaign county is fortunate in the personnel of her farming con> 
nvunity and those who here follow the great art of husbandry are alike 
fortunate in the possession of fine landed elites, where the earth yields 
forth its increase and where peace and contentment come as the natural 
sequel, so that there is no occasion to envy the lot of the busy toilers in 
the thronging mart- of trade and commerce. Among the successful 
and honored farmer- of Urbana township 1- numbered Mr. James, who 
is a native son of the old Buckeye state, having been horn in Pike 
county, Ohio, on the 14th day of May. [835. I lis father. Perry James, 
was likewise horn in the state. K< ^ county having been the place of his 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 285 

nativity, while the year thereof was [812, clearly demonstrating the fact 
that 1 ur subject is a representative of one of the early pioneer families 
of this great commonwealth. Peri} James, who devoted his life to ag- 
ricultural pursuit-, became one of the pioneers of Champaign county, 
as had he also been of both Tike and Scioto counties. He was four 
times married, there being two children by the first union, one by the 
second, live by the third and none by the last, the subject of this review 
having been the elder of the two children born of the first marriage. His 
mother, whose maiden name was Mildred Daily, was born in Pike county, 
Ohio, and died when he was a mere child. 

Daniel James was reared in his native county, where he received 
his educational discipline in the district schools and so supplemented 
this by personal application that he became eligible for pedagogic work, 
having successfully taught three terms of school in Pike county. At the 
outbreak of the war of the Rebellion the young man's intrinsic patriotism 
and loyalty led him to tender his services in support of the Union, and 
in 1861 he enlisted as a private in the Fifty-third Ohio Volunteer In- 
fantry, which was in command of Colonel Wells S. Jones, while the 
captain of the company of which our subject was a member, was James 
K. Percy. Mr. James proceeded to the front with his regiment and was 
in active service until May 24. 1865. when he received his honorable dis- 
charge. He participated in many of the most memorable battles of the 
great civil conflict, including those of Shiloh, Vicksburg, Jacksonville 
and Chattanooga, and accompanied Sherman in the Atlanta campaign 
and the famous inarch t'> the sea. His last battle was that of Resaca. 
Georgia, where lie was wounded, and after partially recovering from his 
injury was sent to Cincinnati, where he was assigned to light duty and 
there remained until he was mustered nut. He then returned to his home 
in Pike county, where he dew ted his attention to farming- until the fol- 
lowing year, when he came to Champaign o unty and took up his abode 



286 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

on his present farm, where he has ever since maintained his home'. He 
has made excellent improvements on the place and it is maintained 
under a high state of cultivation, the area of the farm being ninety-six 
acres. 

The same year that he came to this county Mr. James was united 
in marriage to Miss Eliza Pence, who was born in Champaign county, 
where her parents were numbered among the early settlers. Mr. and 
Mrs. James have had eight children, all of whom were born in this 
county, their names, in order of birth, being as follows : Charles P., 
Carrie, Augusta, Estella, Orville, Lulu. Margaret and Jacob H. In 
politics Mr. James is a stanch Republican, having cast his vote for John 
C. Fremont, in 1856, the first presidential candidate of this grand old 
party. He and his wife are members of the Baptist church. 



JOSEPH V. LONGFELLOW. M. D. 

The profession of medicine, while a very inviting field for the stu- 
dent and the humanitarian, is one that demands much self-abnegation, 
the exercise of repression and the sacrificing of the ordinary methods 
of securing personal advancement. It is one oi the noblest of all voca- 
tions, one of the most responsible and exacting and is the one, above all 
others, which, while it must needs be prosecuted for legitimate gain, is in 
its very nature nearest to beneficent charity. One of the prominent rep- 

itatives of this noble calling in Champaign county is Dr. Joseph V. 
Longfellow, of (Jrbana, who is a member of a family that ha-- been iden- 
tified with the annals of Ohio history from the early pioneer epoch. 
Tims there is peculiar propriety in making definite record concerning 
this honored citizen and able physician, who i< a native son of Champaign 
count)-. 




r ^c^L^Mc^r- 



CENTEX.XI.IL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 289 

Joseph Valentine Longfellow was born on a farm in Concord town- 
ship, this county, on the 21st of March, [858, being the eldest of the four 
children of Silas X. and Minerva A. (Russell) Longfellow. The other 
three children are Mary E., now the wife of H. H. Brower, of Dayton, 
Ohio; Margaret W., wife of S. M. Green, of Urbana, Ohio; Victor 1 )., 
who is completing his medical studies with his brother, the subject of 
this sketch, and who will graduate at the coming session "l college. 
Silas X. Longfellow was born in Concord township. Champaign county. 
on the 5th of June, [834, being the son of Joseph and Martha (Hull) 
Longfellow. Joseph Longfellow was born in the state of Delaware, on 
the 9th of November, 1766, and. was there reared to maturity. In May, 
1805. he became a resident of Ohio, coming to Champaign county and 
entering claim to one hundred and sixty acres of government land in 
section 15, Concord township, reclaiming the same from the sylvan wilds 
and there improving a good farm, which continued to be his home during 
the residue of his life, lie attained a patriarchal age, his death occur- 
ring in the year 1865, at the age of nearly one hundred years. His first 
presidential vote was cast for General Washington, and thereafter he 
exercised his franchise at each successive presidential election, his last 
vote being cast in support of Abraham Lincoln, at the time of his second 
election to the presidency. Joseph Longfellow was thrice married, his 
first union having been with Miss Teresa Merida, who passed away less 
than a year after her marriage. About seven years later he wedded Miss 
Mary Fowler, who bore him thirteen children, her death occurring in 
the year 1822. In 1826 lie consummated his third marriage, being then 
united to Mrs. Martha 1 I lull) Crow, the widow of Joseph Grow, to 
whom she bore six children, one dying in infancy. She was a nan. 
\ irginia, whence sin- accompanied her parents on their removal to < 'bio 
in the early pioneer days, the family settling near Chillicothe. By her 
marriage to Joseph LongfelloVs she became the mother 1 f six children, 



15 



290 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

of whom five survived her. and at present three are living. Lemuel U., 
David and Silas N. She passed away in 1804. at the age of sixty-eight 
years. Silas N. Longfellow has devoted his entire life to agricultural 
pursuits, and now resides on his homestead farm, of sixty-five acres, in 
Concord township. In politics he is a Republican and one of the t 
honored and influential citizens of his native county. Possessed ol high 
musical talent he has been a successful instructor in this art, to which he 
has long been devoted. In 1S57 was solemnized his marriage to Miss 
Minerva A. Russell, who was born in Champaign county, Ohio, on the 
jjth of May, 1839, the daughter of Valentine Russell, one of the pio- 
neers of this section of the Buckeye state. 

Dr. Joseph V". Longfellow was reared under the sturdy discipline 
of the old home farm, and is indebted to the public schools for his early 
educational training. Later he was for five years a student in the Ohio 
Wesleyan University, in the city of Delaware, where he practically com- 
pleted his prescribed course, though failing health prevented him from 
full\ completing his work and thus graduating in the institution. After 
recuperating his energies he entered vigorously and enthusiastically upon 
the stud)' of medicine, and in order to thoroughly fortify himself for his 
chosen profession he finally was matriculated in the Miami Medical Col- 
lege, in Cincinnati, where he was graduated as a member of the cla^s of 
1880. lie soon afterward entered upon the active practice of medicine 
at Kris, Champaign county, where be continued for four years, at the ex- 
piration oi which he located in Urbana, where he has ever since been in 
active practice, having been very successful and holding a supporting 
; air mage of representative order, while he is held in the highest esteem 
in both professional and social circles, his popularity being based upon 
his integrity of character, his genial ami sympathetic temperament, his 
professii nal ability and his power of looking on the bright side of life. 
The Doctor is a member of the Champaign County Medical Society and 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 291 

the American Medical Association, and keeps in close touch with the ad- 
vances made in his profession through careful study and investigation 
and through courteous and appreciative association with his professional 
confreres. In politics he exercises his franchise in support of the Repub- 
lican party, and his religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal 
church. 



J. E. DAVIS. 



The farming interests of Champaign county are well represented 
by J. E. Davis. He was born in Goshen township, on the old farm home- 
stead. August 31, 1N44. His father, S. C. Davis, was a native of Greene 
county, Ohio, but when nine years of age was brought to Goshen ti >wn- 
ship. Champaign county, by his parents, Jonathan and Piety (Maxim) 
Davis, natives of Virginia, who on immigrating to the Buckeye state 
took up their abode in Greene county. The year 1824 witnessed their ar- 
rival in Champaign county, where they were numbered among the pio- 
neer settlers. The father was reared, educated and married in Goshen 
township and located on the old farm homestead, where he remained 
until his death, which occurred when he was about sixty-five years of 
age. His political support was given to the Whig party and later he 
became a stanch Republican, being recognized as one of the leaders in its 
ranks. He was also an active and helpful member of the Baptist church 
and for twenty years served as superintendent of the Sunday-school, 
bis life ever being in consistent harmony with his professions. lie 
married Jane Brittin, a native of Goshen township. Champaign county, 
and a daughter of Nathan and Mary (Jones) Brittin. She was reared 
in Goshen township and belonged to one of the old pioneer families of 
the county. Her death occurred when she was eighty-one years of age. 
In the family of this worthy couple were nine children, three sons and six 



2Q2 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

daughters, of whom one son and four daughters are yet living. All are 
married and are residents of Mechanicsburg. They are: Edrianah, tlie 
wife nf Mathin Comestoek; Emily, the wife of W. W. Legge; Etta, the 
wife 'if J. W. Tway; anil Callie, the wife of Joseph Mumma. 

Mr. Davis of this review was the fourth child ami eldest son of 
the family. He was reared in his native township mi the old farm hotme- 
stead and during his In yhood attended the district schools. In [863 
he enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and Thirteenth Ohio Volun- 
teer Infantry, as a private and served until the close of the war. being 
the last man. with one exception, to he mustered out <>f the regiment. 
He was wounded at Kenesaw Mountain 1 in the 27th of June. 18(14. r( - J_ 
ceiving a gunshot wound in the shoulder, in the hand and in the finger. 
He was then taken to the hospital at Columbus and after he had re- 
(i vered from his injuries was in the mustering-out office at Chicago. 
He was one of the fifty men who took the United States mail through 
the Escanaha and Marquette district of Michigan in [865 and was Ra- 
tioned at Negaunee in the northern peninsula for thirty days, after which 
he returned to Chicago and was mustered out in September, 1865. 

Mr. Davis then came hack to his home in Goshen township and en- 
gaged in farming with excellent success, following that pursuit until 
1898, when lie buill his present resilience in Mechanicsburg. and is now- 
living a retired life, lie still owns the old place, however, which has 
been in the family for three generations. lie was a progressive agricult- 
urist, keeping in touch with modern methods ami his system of farming 
was mic which brought to him a good return for his labors. Idis busi- 
ness methods were ever such as would hear the closest investigation and 
his responsibility and integrity were above questii 

On the 30th of January. [868, .Mr. Davis was united in marriage 
to Sylvia Fox, a daughter of Isaac ami Permilla (Rosebery) Fi \. The 
lady was horn in Madison county, < >hio, where Iter people had loc 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 293 

in pioneer days. Mr. and Mrs. Davis had two daughters, but Lulu died 

at the age of three and a half year-. Ella D. is the wife of John T. 
Brown and they reside on the old Davis homestead, being the fourth 
generation of the family to occupy this place, which comprises two hun- 
dred acre- of rich land. 

Mt. Davis was superintendent of the Maple Grove Cemetery for 
several years and was a member of its board and the treasurer. In 
politics he is a stanch Republican and has never failed to vote at an elec- 
tion since casting his first presidential vote. He also attends the pri- 
maries and takes an active part in every measure and movement that he 
believes will secure Republican success. He is always a leader in the 
demonstrations of the party, often acting as marshal in its parades. 
He is a prominent member of Stephen Baxter Post. Xo. 88. (I. A. R.. 
in which he has tilled all the offices. He also belongs to Myrtle Lodge, 
No. 113, F. & A. M., Caroline Chapter. Xo. 38. O. E'. S.. and of the 
latter is the present worthy patron. He holds membership relations with 
the Methodist Episcopal church and is serving as its steward and as 
one of its board of deacons. His life has ever been commendable, for 
he has lived in accordance with upright principles. He was a loyal 
soldier of his country upon southern battle fields, has ever been known 
as an honest business man and as a wi >rthv friend, husband and father. 



EDWIX HAGEXBUCH. 

Few men are more prominent or more widely known in the enter- 
prising city of Urbana than Edwin Hagenbuch. He has been an imp< >rt- 
ant lactor in business circles and his popularity is well deserved, as in him 
are embraced the characteristics of an unbending integrity, unabating 



294 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

energy and industry that never flags. He is public-spirited and thor- 
oughly interested in whatever tends to promote the mural, intellectual 
and material welfare of Urbana. 

Air. Hagenbuch was born ini Salem township. Champaign county. 
May 8, 1850, and is a son of Henry and Martha J. (Long) Hagenbuch. 
The father was born in Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, about 1809 and 
'comes of a family of Holland Dutch lineage. When a young man he 
sought a home in the west. At the early age of twelve years he had lie- 
gun earning his own living by clerking in a store in Pennsylvania, and 
steadily worked his way upward until he became a partner in a mercan- 
tile enterprise. Thus having accumulated some money, he sought a 
broader field of labor in the west. He made his way to Kings Creek, 
Ohio, where he had a cousin living, and there it was that he met the 
lady who became his wife. He purchased a store and mill there, con- 
ducting both business enterprises with success for many years. Event- 
ually, however, he sold out and purchased farm land, giving his attention 
to agricultural pursuits throughout his remaining days. His marked 
energy, keen business sagacity and unflagging enterprise, were the means 
of bringing to him creditable and gratifying success. In 1865, he re- 
moved his family to Urbana, where he spent his remaining days, in 
politics he was a stanch Republican and a strong Union man, who gave 
liberally of his means to aid various societies during the war. He held 
membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, to which his wife also. 
beli nged. She was born in Champaign county, and was a daughter of 
James and Susan Long, pioneer settlers of this portion of the state. 
Two children were born of this marriage that grew to years of maturity. 
The younger was Ella, now the wife of L. C. Moore, of Urbana. 

The elder is Edwin Hagenbuch, of this review. He spent the first 
fifteen years of his life on the home farm and afterward continued his 
studies in the schools of Urbana, while later he entered the Ohio Wes- 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 29s 

leyan University, where he remained for six months, when he was com- 
pelled to leave that institution on account of failing health and was 
never able to return, lie took a deep interest in his father's business 
and practically managed his affairs for some time, relieving him of all 
care and responsibility. He was also in the employ of the United States 
Rolling Stock Company, car manufacturers, acting as clerk and store 
keeper, and since that time he has been largely interested in farming and 
stock raising, making a specialty of tine blooded sheep of the Ramboullet 
breed. 

In 188c Mr. Hagenbuch was united in marriage to Miss Nellie 
Howard, a daughter of George Howard, of Champaign county, and unto 
them have been born two sons, George Edwin, who is a member of the 
junior class in the Ohio State University, and Frank, who is a member 
of the senior class in the high school of Urbana. 

In his business affairs Mr. Hagenbuch is energetic, prompt and 
notably reliable. Keen perception and honesty of purpose are among his 
chief characteristics and have been salient features in this prosperity. 
He has been successful in business undertakings, yet it has not alone 
been the goal for which he has been striving, for he belongs to that class 
of representative American citizens who promote the general prosperity 
while advancing individual interests. He has rendered effective service 
to his city and district in public office. He is spoken of as one of the 
best councilmen that ever served in Urbana. While on the finance com- 
mittee he was influential in re-adjusting the natural gas debt at a saving 
to the city of about thirty thousand dollars, and his efforts along other 
lines were equallv beneficial. In 1S99 he was elected to the general 
assembly, and in 1901 was re-elected by an increased majority. He 
served as a member of the committee on finance, salaries and claims in 
the seventy-fourth general assembly, and in the seventy-fifth was chair- 
man of the committee on railroads and telegraph and second on the 



296 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

finance committee. His ability was early recognized in the general as- 
sembly, where out of ninety applicants for membership on the finance 
committee he was selected for that important position. Socially he is 
equally prominent. He belongs to Harmony Lodge. No. 8, F. ei A. M. ; 
to Urbana Chapter. No. 34. R. A. M. ; Urbana Council. No. 59, R. & 
S. M. ; Raper Commandery, No. 19. K. T. ; and in the Scottish Rite 
he has attained the thirty-second degree as a member of the consistory 
at Cincinnati. He is also a member of Antioch Temple of the Mystia 
Shrine at Dayton. He has presided over the four local bodies and is at 
the present time grand secretary of the Grand Chapter of Ohio. Mr. 
Hagenbuch well deserves mention among the most prominent and hon- 
ored residents of Champaign county. Such, in brief, is the life history 
of Edwin Hagenbuch. In whatever relation of life we find him — in the 
government service, in political circles, in business or in social relations — 
he is always the same honorable and honored gentleman, whose worth 
well merits the hisfh regard which is uniformly eriven him. 



WILLIAM C. PANGBORN. 

A career whose main-sided usefulness is recalled with pride and 
gratitude by the citizens of Mechanicsburg is that of William C. Pang 
born, a native of the town where he was known in educational, business 
and professional circles, and where his birth occurred December 4. [825. 
His father, Freeman Pangborn, w; 1 ^ one of the very earl) settlers of 
Champaign county, whither he had removed in his young manhood from 
his native state "\ Pennsylvania, and to the development of which he 
devoted the best energies of Ins remaining years. 

In Mechanicsburg William C. Pangborn acquired his education at 





'6, fL,,^ 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 299 

the public schools, and while still young in years evinced habits oi thrift 
and industry. His acquirements were put to the practical tesl in his 
native city, where for a number of years he engaged in educational work, 
the high character of which gained him a reputation among the chief 
promoters of knowledge of his time and place. After the death of his 
mother he undertook to learn the trade of tannin-, an occupation not 
sufficiently congenial to warrant long continuance, and which was aban- 
doned entirely for the more ambitious project of law. In the office oi 
Judge John Corwin, of Urbana, he gained the first insight into the pro- 
fession to which he devoted himself up to the time of his death. February 
14. 1897. He became renowned for his lucid exposition of the prin- 
ciples of law. and for his devotion to its highest and most lasting' tenets. 
Interspersed with his professional duties were numerous business ven- 
tures of more or less importance, and for seven or eight years of the best 
part of his life he engaged in farming and stock-raising in the vicinity 
of Mechanicsburg. In whatsoever line of activity chosen, he wielded an 
influence for progress and substantiality, the more so because his accom- 
plishments were due rather to his own efforts and wise acceptance of sur- 
rounding opportunities, than to any special favor bestowed by a 
prejudiced fortune. 

Through his marriage with Martha Spry, in 1851, Mr. Pangborn 
had yet another incentive for continued success, for his wife proved a 
helpmate indeed, and a never failing source of sympathy and apprecia- 
tion. Mrs. Pangborn comes of a family long associated with New \ - >rk, 
from which state her father. William Spry, removed to Ohio at an early- 
day. To Mr. and Mrs. Pangborn were horn three children, two of whom 
are deceased. Charles, the only survivor, is now living in Mexico, while 
his mother continues to reside among the familiar scenes of her youth, 
marriage, and later life in Mechanicsburg. Mr. Pangborn was politically 
affiliated with the Republican party, but his conservative nature never 



300 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

lent itself to the feverish uncertainties of office-seeking and general 
politics. He was a Mason fraternally, and was connected with innumer- 
able efforts for the general upbuilding of his native town. 



GEORGE \V. PICKERING, M. 1). 

The noble profession of the physician and surgeon afford; to the 
students in these branches of science a never failing source of investi- 
gation and experiment. New remedial agents are constantly being dis- 
covered and practically applied in therapeutics; wonderful progress is 
being made in the domain of surgery; and new methods of treatment 
are being evolved. It is needless to say that the physician who would 
keep in touch with the advances made must be a close student of his 
profession, devoting much time and thought to specific reading and in- 
vestigation, in addition to meeting the practical demands placed upon 
him by the work of his chosen vocation. In the noble army of workers 
in this humane held may be found Dr. Pickering, who is one of the rep- 
resentative members of the medical profession in Champaign county 
and whose success indicates his personal popularity and his ability in 
his profession, with which he is thoroughly en rapport, sparing no pains 
to keep abreast of the advanced thought and knowledge pertaining 
thereto. The Doctor is a sterling type of the self-made man. to whom 
our republic points with just satisfaction and pride, and his is the 
strength and prestige which is begotten only of definite persona] ef- 
fort. 

Dr. Pickering is a native son of the Old Dominion state, that cradle 
of much of our national history, having been born in Rockingham county, 
Virginia, on the i >t of July, [859, the seventh in order of birth of the 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 30 1 

nine children of Richard and Jeanette (Smith) Pickering, both of 
whom were likewise born in Virginia, where the death of the former 
occurred soon after the close of the Civil war, while the latter passed 
away .March 12, 1900. Richard Pickering was a farmer by occupa- 
tion, and his son, the Doctor, grew up under the sturdy discipline of 
the homestead, receiving his preliminary education in the schools of 
his native state and early beginning to contribute his quota to the work 
of the farm. As his father died when he was a mere child, the Doctor 
early became dependent upon his own resources, and upon attaining 
the age of nineteen years left his native state and came to Urbana, 
Ohio, where he continued his studies in the high school until he Lie- 
came qualified for pedagogic work, being a successful teacher in the 
untry schools of this section for five terms, within a period of three 
years. In the meanwhile he had formulated decisive plans as to his 
vocation in life, having determined to prepare himself for the profession 
of medicine. He began his technical reading in the office and under the 
preceptorship of Dr. William J. Sullivan, of Urbana, ami in order to 
properly fortify himself for his chosen work then entered Starling Med- 
ial College, in the city of Columbus, where he was matriculated in the 
year 1883. completing the prescribed course in this celebrated institution, 
where he was graduated, with the coveted degree of Doctor of Medi- 
cine, as a member of the class of 1886. 

Dr. Pickering instituted the practical work of his profession by 
locating in the village of Eris. Champaign county, where he remained 
for a period of nine year-, securing precedence as a devoted and capable 
physician and surgeon. In seeking a wider field of endeavor he then 
came to Urbana, where he has ever since been established in a practice 
of representative character and wdiere he has gained still further prece- 
dence in his chosen life work. He is a member of the Champaign 
< ounty Medical Societv and takes a lively interest in its affairs, while 



302 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

he is a close and receptive student of the best medical literature and 
thus keeps fully in touch with the advances made in the various branches 
of this most exacting of all professions. In April, 1901, the Doctor was 
appointed a member of the board of examining surgeons for pensions in 
his county, and is rendering efficient and faithful service in this capacity. 
In politics he exercises his franchise in support of the principles and 
policies of the Democratic party and fraternally he is identified with the 
local lodge of the Improved Order of Red Men. and Harvey Lodge, 
A. F. & A. M. 

On the 5th of March. r886, Dr. Pickering was united in marriage 
to Miss Jennie Rinaker, who was born in Champaign count}', the daugh- 
ter ( f Simeon Rinaker. and they have two daughters, — Jeanette and 
Helen, aged fifteen and nine, respectively. 



PETER BLACK. 



In the best development of Champaign county Peter Black bore an 
important part. He was identified with the agricultural interests of this 
section oi the state from pioneer days and while promoting the material 
welfare < t the c< immunitv also ga\ e an active and liberal support to those 
measures which tended to advance its intellectual and moral status. His 
life was filled with good deeds and kindly thoughts, and all who knew 
him entertained for him the highest regard, by reason of his upright, 
horn irable life. 

Mr. Black was born in Wayne township, Champaign county, May 
[4, r.828. His father. Peter Black, Sr., was of German descent and was 
born in Pennsylvania, but he became one of the early pioneers of Cham- 
paign county, Ohio, taking up his abode in Wayne township, lie fol- 





MR. AND MRS. PETER BLACK. 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 305 

lowed the tilling of the soil as a life occupation. His wife, whose maiden 
name was Mary Hughes, was also a member of a prominent old family 
of this county, her father, Abram Hughes, having located here in a very 
early day. Ot their seven children Mr. Black, of this review, was the 
sixth child in order of birth, and he was reared and educated in Wayne 
township, and when hut a boy he began the active battle of life for him- 
self alone and unaided. On the 9th of March. 1851. he was united in 
marriage to Catherine Felger, who was born in Westmoreland county, 
Pennsylvania, fulv 27. [832. Her father. Samuel Felger, also claimed 
that locality as the place of his nativity, but as early as [834 came to the 
Buckeye state, locating in Allen comity, where he resided on a farm until 
1840, and m that year took up his abode in Henry county. Iowa, where 
he passed away in death in 189.?. For his wife he chose Lucretia Trout, 
and she, too. was a native of Pennsylvania of French descent. Tier parents 
having emigrated t« the United States and located in the Keystone state. 
Of the nine children, five daughters and. four sons, born unto Mr. and 
Mrs. Felger, Mrs. Black is the eldest. She was reared in Allen county, 
Ohio, and in Henry county, Iowa, and in the latter place, in 1850. gave 
her hand in marriage to Mr. Black. They began their married life on a 
farm in Wayne township. Champaign county, but live years later they 
removed to Henry county, Iowa, where they made their home for a year 
and a half. Returning thence to Champaign county, they located on the 
farm on which Mrs. Black now reside-, consisting of one hundred and 
ninety-eight acres. Since her husband's death she has given a careful 
supervision to the property and is an excellent business woman. By their 
thrift and economy they succeeded in gaining a competence for old age, 
and at one time they owned as high as eight hundred and sevent) acres 
oj land, fogetherthey worked very successfully. In any business I 
actions of importance he always consulted his wifi ■ ; I . 

her business ability has been well tried since he pa ay. 



306 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

Nine children came to brighten and bless the home of our subject 
and wife, but one died in infancy, the others being Samuel. Freemont, 
Henry E., Granville, M. Lucretia, the wife of William Berry; Emma, 
•deceased; Charles I'..: and Cora, who died in [896. The living children 
are all married and have good homes of their nun. Air. Black spent his 
last days at his pleasant bums in Wayne t iwnship, and there closed bis 
eyes in death in 1899. A prominent representative of industrial inter- 
ests, a popular factor in social life, a faithful friend, a kind husband and 
father and a consistent Christian, be left behind him an untarnished 
record. 

THOMAS DENTON CROW. 

That adverse conditions build up the strong and break down the 
weak is a truism emphasized in the life of Thomas Denton Crow, lawyer, 
educator, and erstwhile man of affairs of Urbana and Champaign 
county. Though at present retired from the strenuous activity which has 
characterized a well directed career, and a serene spectator of the pros- 
perity of which he has been a developing force, no more convincing 
example is available for those who are discouraged and beset with limi- 
tations, of the possible preponderance of mind and determination over 
obstacles however great or deterring. 

A native son of Ohio, Air. Crow was born in Harrison township, 
( hampaign county, < October 21, iNji, and comes of paternal German and 
maternal New England descent, lli^ father, Joseph Crow, was horn in 
Virginia, October 1. 1790, while bis mother. Mania (Hull) Crow, was 
born January 4. 171)0. The parents were married in 1813, and thin 
after settled on a farm in Harrison township, of which the paternal 
grandfather Crow had been a very early settler. Joseph Crow was a 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 307 

man of more than ordinary intelligence and education, and a devoted 
member of the Methodist church, in which he was a class leader and 
exhorter. His death in [825 left to the care of his widow one daughter 
and four sons, over whose irresponsible youth the shadows of loneliness 
and unhappiness were doomed to fall. A desire to further the interests 
of her children induced the mother to remarry the following year!, 
and through a union with Joseph Longfellow, an old resident of Con- 
cord township, she hoped to relieve the financial and general depression 
under which they were laboring. This marriage proved something of 
a disappointment to one of the noblest of pioneer mothers, who lives 
in the memory of her children as one who possessed unusual faithful- 
ness and piety, and whose death, August 2, 1864, closed an existence 
crowded with toil and deprivation. Six children were born of the second 
union, but the futility of her sacrifice must have embittered her heart 
at the beginning of her life with Joseph Longfellow, for one of her 
first husband's children was sent away at once, and two others soon 
followed them to exile from her care and tenderness. Thomas D. be- 
came a bound boy on the farm when eight years of age, and during the 
five years of hardship which followed, experienced little of the joy and 
expectancy of youth. The school privileges stipulated in the contract 
were igni red altogether, and it was with a sense of loosened chains that 
In- release came at the end of the allotted time. Henceforth he was at 
least free, and the world lay before him full of chances to be seized by 
In- stn ng arms and intellect and courageous young heart. Foremost in 
hi- thought was the desire for an education, and as the money left him 
by his father had disappeared under the management of his step-father, 
he was obliged to plan a combination of work and study in order to meet 
the expense of tuition. At the age of fourteen he began to learn the 
trade oi tailoring at Urbana. and while thus employed fur several years 
occupied his leisure in acquiring the desired knowledge. So studious 



308 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

was he that at the age of eighteen he had qualified as a teacher, and at 
nineteen he entered the Ohio Conference High School, at Springfield, 
and met his current expenses by teaching during vacation, doing janitor 
week and performing such other tasks as yielded needed remuneration. 
By the practice of the most rigid economy, and a large portion of the 
time subsisting on brown bread and water, lie was able, at the end of 
four years, to pass the preparatory examination required of students at 
Augusta College. Here again his tact and resourcefulness were truly 
surprising, for though he entered the institution somewhat in debt, at 
the time of graduation in [846 he was not only out of debt but had 
saved four hundred dollars out of his salary as principal of the prepara- 
tory department of his Alma Mater. 

1 in his return to L'rbana Mr. Crow found the Ohio Conference 
of the Methodist Episcopal church in session at Piqua, and into this 
body of enthusiastic workers he was admitted as a member, and subse- 
quently filled several important charges. For two years he was a mem- 
ber of the faculty of the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware. Uhio, 
and by i860 had determined to devote his career to the practice of law. 
The following year he graduated in April from the Cincinnati Law 
School, and thereafter practiced for two years in Monticello, Indiana. 
In the meantime the pressing need of his stricken country bail not fallen 
on unconscious cars, for he had been busily engaged in raising troops 
for the Union army, and would himself have enlisted had it not been 
for his three motherless children. The year 1864 found him again in 
Urbaqa working up a law practice, and the next war his enthusiastic 
advocacy of education found an outlet as superintendent of public schools 
of l'rbana. For a number of years he served as county examiner, and 
from [869 until [872 be was chief clerk and acting state commissioner 
of schools, and temporarily resided at Columbus, < Ihio. After the com- 
pletion of this responsibility Mr. Crow returned to Urbana, and not until 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 309 

a few years ago did he terminate a vigorous and capable professional 
career, his retirement heing actuated by a compelling need of rest. 

Thrice married, the union of Mr. Crow in T847 with Henrietta 
Downs, win 1 died in Cincinnati in 1858, resulted in four sons and one 
daughter. Of his second marriage there was one daughter, and in 1868 
he married Mrs. Eliza M. Crabill, nee Hedges. Since the organization 
of the party Air. Crow has allied his political fortunes with Republican 
principles and issues, and has stanchly supported the same in city and 
countv. Innumerable enterprises for the general upbuilding of the 
community have received his practical support and been benefited by 
his far-sighted council, for few can more fully realize the benefit of 
progressive measures when backed by wise conservatism. Out of a life 
containing much of success as well as grief and misfortune he has 
evolved philosophies optimistic and helpful in the extreme, and the city 
is fortunate in the possession of a citizen who has so deftly fashioned 
harmony out of discord and so unfalteringly based his actions upon the 
principles of truth and humanity. 



ROBERT HENDERSON, M. D. 

Dr. Henderson is a most skillful and successful physician oi L'r- 
bana and is a popular and highly respected citizen. He was born in 
Parkersburg, AVest Virginia, March 22, 1851. and is a son of Richard 
H. and Anna Maria (Shanklin) Henderson, both of whom were natives 
of the Old Dominion. The Doctor was reared in his native town dur- 
ing tiie greater part of his youth, but for a time resided with hi- par- 
ents in Wheeling and in the schools of those two cities he acquired his 
literary education. Determining to devote his atti ■ one of the 

16 



310 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

most important and valuable professions to which man can give his at- 
tention — the alleviation of human suffering — he began the study of med- 
cine while clerking in Parkersburg and afterward matriculated in the 
College of Physicians and Surgeons, of Baltimore, Maryland, being 
graduated in that institution with the class of 1878. 

The Doctor then located in West Virginia, where he remained for 
only a brief period, and then took up his abode in New Moorefield, Clark 
county, Ohio, where he retained his residence until the fall of 1884, 
when he came to Urbana, having since remained continuously in this 
city. He is a member of the Champaign County Medical Society, the 
Ohio State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. The 
interchange of thought and knowledge and the importance of investiga- 
tion and experiment, given in these organizations, have enabled him to 
keep in constant touch with the progress that is continually advancing the 
practice of medicine toward perfection. 

In 1875 the Doctor was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth S. 
Thomas, of Point Pleasant. West Virginia. They have two children, 
Richard T. and Helen, the latter yet in school. The son was bom in 
Parkersburg, West Virginia, in 1878, and after attending the public, 
schools of Urbana, entered the Urbana University, lie studied medi- 
cine under the direction of his father, was graduated in the Starling 
Medical College of Columbus in the spring of [900, and has since been 
associated with his father in practice, the firm having a large and lu- 
crative patronage. Dr. Henderson of this review C an active Democrat, 
unfaltering in his .advocacy of the party principles and during Presi- 
dent Cleveland's second administration he served as a member of the 
pension board. Fraternally he i- a Master Mason, but he has never 
sought political or fraternal honors, preferring to give his attention in 
;.:: undivided manner to his professional duties, which are stcadilv in- 
creasing. 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 311 

JOHN H. YOUNG. 

During many years of his lifetime John II. Young was .me of the 
conspicuous characters of Champaign county, prominent because of his 
activity in public affairs, and respected and esteemed for his many ex- 
cellent traits of character. He was born in Franklin. Warren county, 
Ohio, September 15. 1813, a son of General Robert Young, a native of 
Dauphin county, Pennsylvania. General Young settled in Warren 
county, Ohio, in 1796, and won his rank as an officer in the war of 
1812. He subsequently located in Piqua, Miami county, Ohio, of which 
town he was a pioneer, and prominent citizen and attorney. A master- 
ful grasp of his profession, and an intelligent understanding of the needs 
and conditions by which be was surrounded resulted in his call to many 
positions of trust and responsibility, among them being that of state 
senator. 

When fifteen years of age John H. Young began business life in a 
printing office, but soon after entered Oxford College, from which he 
was graduated in 1835. He soon after read law with General Israel 
Hamilton, of L'rbana, and was admitted to the bar in 1837, his rise in 
his profession being almost instantaneous. He married in [838 with 
Elizabeth J., daughter of Joseph White, a pioneer of Ohio, and after- 
ward a resilient of Urbana. Of this union there were born three chil- 
dren, viz.: Frances, widow of the late Hon. Frank Chance, of Urbana; 
Carrie, wife of M. E. Barber; and Robert, a resident of Urbana. 

.Mr. Young was admitted to practice at the bar of the United States 
courts of Ohio in 1844. and the same year was the unsuccessful Demo- 
cratic candidate for congress, bis opponent being ex-Governor Joseph 
Wince. Some years after be was again a candidate for congress, but 
though defeated by Moses 1'.. Corwin, his popularity on both occasions 
may be inferred from the fact that he always ran far ahead of bis party 



3i2 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

ticket. Ili- was a member of the Ohio constitutional convention of 
1:873, ar "' l ""' s ' a prominent part in the debates and deliberations of that 
august body, being- a member of three of the must important committees, 
and chairman of the committee on amendments. On several occasions he 
was presidential elector, and held many local offices devolving on men of 
known character and ability. During the war 1 1 the Rebellion he was 
an active suppi rter of the government, and favored all measures tend- 
ing to the vigorous prosecution of the war. For many years he was 
president of the National Bank, and his ceaseless but conservative activ- 
ity penetrated many grooves of business and professional interest. He 
was a member of the Presbyterian church, and his character was builded 
on the principles of truth and justice. 



SIMON W. W H1TMORK. 

Of the pioneer families which have materially contributed to the 
prosperity of Champaign county, and particularly to that of Mad River 
township is the one represented by S. W. Whitmore. They have ever 
been peaceful, law-abiding citizens, industrious, just and conscientious 
in all their transactions, and their name and record is still untarnished. 
John Whitmore. the grandfather o\ our subject, was born in Rocking- 
ham count)', Virginia, March t. i", - ' 1 - In 1802, however, he left his 
southern home for the Buckeye state, locating on the farm on which our 
subject now resides, and here his death occurred on the 17th of Septem- 
ber, 1850. He was a soldier in the war of iSu. His wife. Elizabeth 
1 Pence') Whitmore was also a native of the Old Do , her birth oc- 

curring ii of February, 1777, and she reached the age of more 

than three score vears and ten. 



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CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 315 

[aa >b Whitmi ire, their si >n and the father of < >ur subject, w as 1>< irn in 
!il family heme in Virginia, but when only two years of aye, in iN 12, 
was brought by his parents to Champaign county, Ohio, lie was here 
married to Catherine Zimmerman, who was born in this county Decem- 
ber 20. 1S07, and their wedding was celebrated on the 24th of March, 
[826. Tier father, George Zimmerman, came from Virginia, the state 
of his birth, to Champaign county, Ohio, when but a boy. lie was one 
of the first to follow the blacksmith's trade in the county, and he als 1 
erected and operated a sawmill, known as the Zimmerman mill. His 
death occurred about 1S45. The Whitmore family is of German descent, 
the paternal great-grandfather of our subject having emigrated to Amer- 
ica from that country, and on his arrival here he took up his abode in 
Shenandoah county. Virginia. The maternal great-grandfather was also 
a native of the fatherland. The marriage of Jacob and Catherine (Zim- 
merman ) Whit-more resulted in the birth of seven children, five daugh- 
ters and two sous, as follows: Eliza Jane, deceased; Barbara A., the 
wife of Charles Dagger, a prominent farmer of Concord township. 
Champaign county; Sarah J., the wife of Mathew Barger, a prominent 
business man of Concord township; Elizabeth, the wife of Leonard 
Barger, who is living retired in Johnson township, this county: Simon 
W., of this review : Joseph M., who died at the age of four years: and 
one, the twin of Barbara, who died in infancy. The father of this family 
passed away in death on his old home farm in Mad River township on 
the 17th of September, 1850, and his wife was called to her final rest 
when ihe had reached the age of eierhty-four years. 

Simon W. Whitmore, whose name introduces this review, was born 
on the old homestead farm in this county on the 16th of Maw 1835, and 
during his youth enjoyed the educational advantages afforded by the 
primitive log school house of the neighborhood, which he was permitted 
to attend about n\t months during the year, while for a time be was also 



316 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

a student in the subscription schools. Remaining' with his parents until 
his marriage, he then located on a tract of sixty acres in Concord town- 
ship, but two years later returned to this locality, and with the exception 
ol the time there spent lie has continually made his home in Mad River 
township. After his return here he located on his father's old home- 
stead, and after the latter's death purchased the interests of the remain- 
ing heirs, thus becoming" the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of 
'and. About [872 he disposed of this property and purchased the old 
homestead which his grandfather had located on first coming to the 
county, about 1802. and here he now owns one hundred and ninety- 
seven acres of rich and productive land. His life has been well spent, 
and in business affairs he has been rewarded by a well merited com- 
petence. 

December 25, 1NO0, Air. Whitmore was united in marriage to Eliza- 
beth W'iant. who was born in .Mad River township. Champaign county, 
November 7, 1840, a daughter of Brightbury and Jerusha (Ward) 
W'iant, prominent early settlers of the locality. Mrs. Whitmore' s 
grandfather, John W'iant. was one of the first tanners in Champaign 
county. He was born in Virginia and died in Mad River township, 
this county, at about seventy-five years of age. Five children have been 
born unto the union of Simon ami Elizabeth (Wiant) Whitmore. three 
daughters and two sons, as follows: Sylvia Ida. the wife of Ross 
Wiant, a prominent farmer of Champaign county, and they have three 
living children. — Warren, Brightbury and Simon Marlev. Minnie 
llva is the wife of Daniel S. Sibert, of Newton county, Missouri, and 
the) are the parents of three children. — ('.race. Jenefer and Frank W. 
Samuel 6. W. married Ora E. Neff and resides on the old homestead. 
'I hex have one son, Simon Joe. Dottie M. is the wife of William 
Gumpert. of Cono rd township, ami has two children. — Lillian E. and 
Harold Whitmore. Harry P. \. i> still at home with his parents. 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 317 

Since attaining to mature years Mr. Whitmore lias given his political 
support to the Democracy, and although he is at all times a public- 
spirited and progressive citizen he has never sought or desired the en 
ments of public office, preferring t<> give his undivided time to his busi- 
ness interests. Me is one of the valued members of the Myrtle I ree 
Baptist church. His sterling worth commands the respect and confidence 
1 1 all, and he is one of the valued members of his native county. 



JAMES B. JOHNSON. 

Labor, honorable and well directed, has long since been granted its 
proper place in the plans of the world, and it is the busy man who assumes 
leadership in all affairs. His fidelity to the duties by which his business is 
carried on is that by which he is judged by his fellow men. and the 
verdict is rendered in accordance with his accomplished purposes. In this 
sense Mr. Johnson has won the commendation and respect of all with 
whom he has come in contact. Dependent upon his own resource- from 
an early age. he has led a busv and useful life and by his own efforts has 
worked his way steadily upward, achieving a position of prominence 
and independence ere he had attained the prime of life. He has ever 
had the highest respect for the dignity of honest toil and endeavor, 
being mindful of the steps by which he has personally risen, and hi- ex- 
ecutive ability has been quickened by his varied experiences, through 
which there has been no vacillation of purpose and through which he has 
shown that elemental strength and self-reliance which have made for 
worthy success and gained to him unqualified confidence and regard. 
He is now numbered among the representative citizens and business men 
of Urbana, whose people have manifested their appreciation of his eligi- 



3i8 CEXTEXXIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

bility by twice electing him to the chief executive office of the municipal 
government, in which he is now serving his second term, having made 
a record as one of the most able and popular mayors the city has ever 
had and giving an economical and thoroughly business-like administra- 
tion. 

lames B. Johnson was born in Kansas City, Missouri, on the 9th 
of April. [860, being the son of Alfred and Anna M. (Thorn) John- 
son, the former of whom was born in Warren county, Ohio, and tbe lat- 
ter in Dutchess county, New York, of English lineage. They now main- 
tain their home in the citv of Richmond, Indiana, the father being a 

• ■ 

beloved and devoted minister of the Society of Friends, of which he 
is a birthright member. Of his eight children three are deceased. The 
parent- of our subject removed from Kansas City to Wilmington, Clin- 
ton county, Ohio, when he was an infant, and there he was reared to 
the age of sixteen years, having received such educational advantages as 
were afforded by the public schools. At the age rioted Mr. Johnson 
gave inception to his independent career, securing a position as newsboy 
tor the Union News Company and running on trains out of the city of 
Indianapolis, Indiana. Later he was employed in a dairy at Friends- 
wood, sixteen miles distant from that citv, in Hendricks county, and his 
next occupation was as a conductor on tbe Indianapolis street car lines 
owned b) lien. Thomas Johnson, of Cleveland. From Indianapolis he 
made his way to St. Louis, where he was employed for a time as driver 
on street cars and later operated the passenger elevator in the Planters 
i fotel, in the meanwhile putting his leisure hours to good use by attend- 
ing night school. Ever alert to improve his position, we next find the 
young man installed in charge of the livery and carriage agency in the 
Southern Hotel, the other leading caravansary of the Missouri metrop- 
olis. Finally, in r.880, when twenty years of age, Mr. Johnson se- 
cured tin- position as messenger in that well known financial institu- 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 319 

tii m, the Chase National Bank, of New York City, where he remained 
four years, being advanced to the position of clearing' house clerk of 
the hank. He left this position to accept that of secretary to the treas- 
urer of the Erie railroad and in [886 went to western Kansas, where 
for two years he was identified with the real-estate and banking busi- 
ness, while in 18S7 he was incumbent of the office of mayor of Scott 
City, that state. In 1888 he returned to New York City, where he re- 
mained two years in the employ of W. H. Fletcher & Company, im- 
p* rters ami manufacturers of lace curtains. Thereafter he passed two 
years in the city of Philadelphia, and in 1890 came to Urbana, where 
he accepted a position as traveling salesman for the wholesale grocery 
house of the W. II. Marvin Company. He continued to represent this 
house through its trade territory until 1897, when he was elected mayor 
of Urbana and in addition to assuming his official duties also engaged in 
the retail furniture and house-furnishing business, utilizing the old Mar- 
vin headquarters, where he continued operations until October, 1901, 
when he removed to his present finely equipped and eligibly located 
quarters, at 119 North Main street, where he has built up a large and 
flourishing business, receiving a representative patronage and command- 
ing the confidence of the local public by his careful and honorable meth- 
ods and unvarying courtesy. His administration of municipal affairs 
was suc h as to gain for him marked popular endorsement, leading to 
his re-election in 1900, and he is still incumbent of this office. Fra- 
ternal!) Mr. Johnson is prominently identified with the Masonic order, 
in which he has completed the round of the York Rite, being a member/ 
oi Raper Commandery, Knight- Templar, and also holding prestige as a 
noble of Antioch Temple of the Mystic Shrine, at Dayton, while he is 
also identified with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Knights 
of Pythias, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the United Com- 
mercial Travelers. In his political proclivities Mr. Johnson is an ardent 



320 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

advocate of the principles and policies of the Republican party, and his 
religions faith is that of the Protestant Episcopal church, he and his 
wife being communicants of the Church of the Epiphany, while both take 
an active interest in the general and parochial work of the chinch. 

On the 3rd of September, [896, Mr. Johnson was united in mar- 
riage to Miss Anna W. Marvin, daughter of William H. Marvin, presi- 
dent of the wholesale grocery company which bears his name and known 
as 1 ne of the representative citizens of Urbana and the state. Mr. and 
Mrs. Johnson have three children. — Loretta, Marvin and Elizabeth. 



FRANK CHANCE. 



The judicial history of Champaign county and of this portion of 
the state of Ohio would he incomplete without mention of the Hon. 
Frank Chance. If biography is the home aspect of history, as Wilmot 
has expressed it. it is certainly within the province of this volume to 
make record of the life and deeds of those whose work has helped to 
shape public policy and to mold the minds of men in lines leading to its 
substantia] progress and improvement. Such a one was Frank Chance, 
a man of scholarly attainments, of keen discernment, of loyalty in cit- 
izenship and of untarnished honor. 

rle was born in Champaign county, Ohio, and acquired his early 
education in the district schools near Westville, while later he became 
a student in the high school at Urbana and subsequently continued his 
studies in the Miami University at Oxford, Ohio. In the fall of i860 he 
entered upon the study of law in the office of General John II. Young, 
of Urbana. but when the country became involved in Civil war he put 
aside all personal consideration that he might assist in preserving the 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 321 

I foion intact. Hardly had the smoke of Fort Sumter's guns cleared awaj 
when on the 17th of April. 1861, he became a private of Company D, 
Thirteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, being honorably discharged on the 
22nd of August of the same year, on the expiration of his term. In 
May. 1862, however, he re-enlisted in response to the call for troops to 
serve for three years, and joined the boys in blue of the Eighty-sixth 
Ohio Volunteer Infantry. His comrades chose him as first lieutenant 
and he proved a loyal advocate of the old flag. 

When his military service was over, Mr. Chance took up the study 
of law in Cincinnati and on the 4th of May, 1863, was admitted to the 
bar by the district court of Hamilton county, but his country was still 
engaged in warfare and on the 23rd of November. 1863. he entered the 
naval service as acting master's mate and was in the memorable and dis- 
astrous Red River expedition. On the 25th of June. 1804, he resigned 
and in the fall of the same year became a member of the law firm of 
Young, Leedom & Chance. Subsequently he was appointed solicitor 
for the Pittsburg, Columbus, Chicago & St. Louis Railroad Company 
and acted in that capacity up to the time of his death. He was also a 
well known factor in financial circles and was one of the charter mem- 
bers of the Third National Bank, to the presidency of which he was 
chosen on the 12th of January, 1892. Upon the reorganization of the 
institution as the National Bank of Urbana, he was continued in the 
presidency and remained at the bead until bis life's labors ended. He 
was hardly more than a boy when he became connected with the Third 
National .and soon afterward entered upon the presidency, but in the 
discharge of bis duties displayed marked capability, keen foresight and 
financial power. He was also the president of the Urbana Electric Light 
& Rower Company and was identified with several other business enter- 
prises in this city. 

Perhaps Mr. Chance was best known, however, in connection with 



322 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

the practice of law. and in the proceedings of a memorial meeting, hell 
by the Champaign Bar Association to take action upon his death, is found 
the following: 

*' \s a lawyer he was studious, industrious and methodical; pos- 
sessed of a logical mind, by his industry and studious habits he became 
a lawyer of more than ordinary ability. lie believed in the dignity 
and the authority of the court, the supremacy of the law, and always 
conducted himself in accordance with his belief. It mattered not how- 
bitter the contest, he always treated the opposing counsel with proper 
courtesy, and had a due regard for the feelings and rights of all persons 
connected with the trial. Both in the trial and settlement of cases he 
was an example of fairness, dignity and courtesy, worthy of imitation. 
He was true to his client, but never played the part of pettifogger. He 
always labored for his clients according to his rights, the facts and the 
law as he understood them. 

'"During the past few years of his life disease preyed upon him and 
at times his suffering was great, and vet through it all he was a model 
of patience and gentleness. By reason of the foregoing" and his many 
other estimable qualities of heart and mind not mentioned, we realize 
that in his death our loss is great, and we shall ever revere his memory. 
While our loss is great, vet deeper and greater is the loss to his beloved 
family, and we hereby extend to the widow and children our deepest 
sympathy." 

Mr. Chance was married October 14, 1N05, to Frances Sarah 
Young, a daughter of General Young, a distinguished and honored resi- 
lient of Champaign county. Her father died in November, [895, while 
her mother passed away on the 30th of January. i8()_>. Both were de- 
voted Christian people, the former belonging to the Presbyterian church 
and the latter to the Methodist Episcopal church. The marriage of 
Mr. and Mrs. Chance was blessed with three daughters: Carrie G.. now 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 323 

the wife of Clark Gregg, of Denver, Colorado; Blanche and Edith. The 
Chance homestead was a very happy home and the spirit of comrade- 
ship existed between father and daughters as well as between wife and 
husband. Mr. Chance gave his political support to the Democracy and 

strongly advocated its principles. His was an upright manh 1, one 

that subordinated personal ambition to public good. In speaking of him, 
1 1 f the local papers said: "Colonel Chance was an able lawyer — 
but more than this, he was one who brought to his splendid professional 
character a charm of polish and broad culture which commanded the 
admiration of friend and opponent alike. His career was an inspiration 
to the bar of which he was a member, and its record now adorn- Cham- 
paign county history with that of those distinguished ones who have given 
the legal profession of this state its high standing. In all his estates, 
in family, profession and community, his life was an example, the loss 
of which is sincerely and deeply felt." 



EVAN P. MIDDLETON. 

Evan I*. Middleton, who is now serving as judge of the court of 
common pleas of Champaign county, has long occupied a position of 
distinction at the bar of Urbana. He was horn on his father'- farm in 
Wayne township, April [9, [854, his parents being John and Mary 
I McCumber) Middleton. In tracing the lineage of the Middleton fam- 
ilj it is ascertained that the ancestors of colonial time- were of South 
Carolina. The family is of English origin, hut because of long residence 
and frequent intermarriages with person- of other nationality, the stock 

be -aid to have become a modern American o • fn colonial 

clays the early ancest rs of the family in America v. minent in the- 



32 4 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

agitation for liberty which led to the Revolutionary war. Arthur Mid- 
dleton, one of the ancestors, was a 'member of congress from South 
Carolina and a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Members 
of the family went to Virginia from South Carolina and the paternal 
grandparents of our subject were natives of Fairfax county, Virginia. 
They came to Ohio in 1810 and setled in Brown county, near George- 
town. The grandfather served in the war of [&I2. Me was a civil 
engineer and surveyor and assisted in surveying and establishing the 
county lines of I 'ike. Brown, Adams and other counties in the southern 
part of Ohio. His occupation was that of a farmer and with his fam- 
ily he removed to Champaign county, settling upon a tract of land, 
which he continued to cultivate throughout the years of his active busi- 
ness career, and. when he had put aside farm labors he still made his 
home upon that place, passing away there at the age of ninety-five years, 
while his wife reached the advanced age of ninety-three years. They had 
passed the seventieth anniversa'ry of their wedded life before either of 
them died. 

John Middleton, his son and the father of our subject, devoted 
his life to agricultural pursuits and died in [88l of pneumonia, at the 
age of sixty years on his farm in Wayne township. His birth had < c- 
curred in Brown county, Ohio, and his entire life was passed in this 
state. He wedded Mary McCumber, who was horn in the Empire state 
and died at the age of seventy-eight years, her death occurring in the 
village of Cable, near the old homestead in 1894. She was of Scotch 
and German parentage, her father having been of Scotch lineage, while 
her mother's ancestor- came from Germany. By her marriage Mrs. 
Middleton had seven sons and three daughters, of whom two sons died 
in infancy. William West served three year- and more in the Civil war 
in Company E, Ninety-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and died in [897 
from trouble due to> his army service. Lucinda T. is the wife of Charles 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 325 

R. Sanders, of Springfield, Ohio. Cornelia A. married H. M. Darnell, 
of East Monroe, Ohio. John W. is a resident of Union county, Ohio. 
Staten E. is a resident fanner of Champaign county. Evan P. is the 
subject of this sketch. Arthur N., who died in [889, was a lawyer of 
unusual ability, for ten years the law partner of his brother, Evan P. 
He served two terms as city solicitor lor Urbana and won for himself 
a state reputation as a municipal corporation lawyer, and was an active 
Republican politician. Mary Elizabeth is the wife of C. X. Dodson, a 
farmer of Champaign county. Abner H. is engaged in the practice of 
medicine in Cable. Ohio; and Milton C. is an agriculturist residing in 
Unii n county, Ohio. 

Evan P. Middleton acquired his early education in the country 
schools of Wayne township, where he was reared upon his father's farm. 
At the age of seventeen he entered the high school of Urbana. there 
continuing his studies for about a year. When eighteen years of age 
he began teaching and followed that profession for eight years. During 
this period he and his brother, Arthur X.. kept up a course of literary 
and classical studies under the direction of a private tutor, studying the 
higher branches of mathematics and Latin classics, as well as English 
literature. During the last two and one-half years of this course they 
devoted their time to the study (if law also, under the preceptorship of 
the late General John H. Young. In iS;S they were admitted to the bar 
1 efi re the supreme court of Ohio at Columbus, and the following year 
the brothers opened a law office in Urbana, thus entering upon the prac- 
tice of law together under the firm name of Middleton & Middleton. 
tins relation was continued harmoniously until the death of Arthur X. 
Middleton in 1889. 

Evan P. Middleton was elected prosecuting attorney of Champaign 
unty in [883. and re-elected in [886, serving in the office for -in wars 
with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. In 1891 lie 



326 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

was appointed by the supreme court and served for one year as a mem- 
ber of the board of examiners of the law school of Cincinnati. He be- 
came a candidate for nomination by the Republicans for congress in 
the eighth congressional district against the Hon. A. Lybrand, repre- 
sentative from that district, at the end of his second term in 1898, and 
in that convention received the solid support of the delegates from 
Champaign and Hardin counties and from a majority of the d< 
iron; Logan county, but the support was not sufficient to nominate him. 
He has always been a Republican and has taken an active part as a cam- 
paign speaker in furthering the interests of his party for many years. 
He served one year on the Republican state central committee from his 
congressional district and four years as chairman of the Champaign 
county Republican executive committee. In 1000 he was unanimously 
nominated for state senator by the Republicans of the eleventh district, 
composed of the counties of Champaign. Clark and Madison, and was 
elected in November by an unusual majority. While in the senate he 
served as chairman of the committee on state buildings ami was a mem- 
ber of the committees on judiciary, county affairs, common schools and 
school lands, insurance, federal relations and privileges and elections. 
On the 6th of September, 1901, Governor George K. Nash appointed him 
to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of the Hon. C. B. 
Heiserman as judge of the court of common pleas for the second sub- 
division of the second judicial district, to accept which he resigned the 
office 1 i siate senator. In the Republican convention he was unani- 
iii' ush nominated for election to the office o\ judge 1 i the court of 
common ideas and on the 5th of November, [901, was chosen by popular 
suffrage for the office, so that he is the present incumbent. 

Judge Middleton was married on the 29th of December. 1875. to 

Miss Zeppa Rippetoe, daughter of William and Martha (Farmer) Rip- 

ormer a native of Virginia and the latter of Kentucky, for 

years highly respectable residents of Champaign county. Mrs. Mid- 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 327 

dleton was born in Wayne township, this count), December 14. [854, 
and died ar her home, over which she so gracefully presided in Urbana, 
on the 3d of November, 1901, leaving three children: Lucy Edith, the 
wife of A. lav Miller, an attorney of Bellefontaine, Ohio*; William R. 
and George S. Mrs. Middleton was an active member of the First 
Presbyterian church of Urbana and a lady of many admirable accom- 
plishments. As an attorney at law Judge Middleton has long ranked 
with the most successful. . He secured his education unaided by friends 
or family and has always been a close and earnest student. As a speaker 
lie is gifted and as an advocate he is strong and persuasive, — on the 
bench is distinguished by the highest legal ability. To wear the ermine 
worthily it is not enough that one possess legal acumen, is learned in 
the principles of jurisprudence, familiar with precedents and thoroughly 
honest. Man}- men, even when acting uprightly, are wholly unable to 
divest themselves of prejudice and are unconsciously warped in their 
judgments by their own mental characteristics or educational peculiari- 
ties. This unconscious and variable disturbing force enters more or less 
into the judgments of all men. but in the ideal jurist this factor becomes 
so s m al] as not to be discernible in results and loses its potency as a dis- 
turbing force. Judge Middleton is exceptionally free from all judicial 
bias. His varied legal learning and wide experience in the courts, the 
patient care with which he ascertains all the facts bearing upon every 
case which comes before him, gives his decisions a solidity and an ex- 
haustiveness to which no members of the bar could take exception. 



GEORGE M. BICH ELBERGER. 

! he above named gentleman is actively connected with a profes- 
sion which has important bearing upon the progress and stable pros- 
perity of any section or community, and one which ha- 1 con- 

17 



328 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

sidered as conserving the public welfare by furthering the ends of jus- 
tice and maintaining individual rights. His reputation as a lawyer 
lias been won through earnest, honest labor, and his standing at the bar 
is a merited tribute to his ability. He now has a very large practice. 
and his careful preparation of cases is supplemented by a power of argu- 
ment and a forceful presentation of his points in the court room, so that 
he never fails to impress court or jury, and seldom fails to gain the 
verdict desired. 

Mr. Eichelberger was born in Montgomery, Ohio, December 16, 
[843, and is a sun of Joseph E. and Mary (Maley) Eichelberger. His 
father was born in Washington county, Maryland, near Hagerstown, 
December id. 1816, ami was a son of John and Catherine ( Zimmerman) 
Eichelberger, the former born in Martinsburg, Virginia, and the latter 
near Frederick City, in Frederick county, Maryland. The Eichelberger 
family is of German lineage and was established in America in colonial 
days. The great-grandfather of our subject served as a soldier in the 
Revolutionary war. rendering valiant aid in the struggle for independ- 
ence. 

In the year 1824 John Eichelberger, the grandfather of our sub- 
ject, became a resident of Ohio, settling on a farm a half mile from Ger- 
mantown. in .Montgomery county. He was a miller and foil,, wed bis 
trade throughout the greater part of his life. He died in 1840 when 
ab in sixty-five years of age. and his wife passed away in 1868 at the age 
of ninety-three. In their family were eight children: Henrietta. Sam- 
uel. William and Daniel, all now deceased; Henry, of Dayton, Ohio; 
foseph E. ; John and Susanna have also passed away. Their --on. Jo- 
seph E. Eichelberger, the father of our subject, in the year [843, married 
Mary Eliza Maley, who was bom in Urbana and was a daughter of the 
Rev. George W. Maley, a leading Methodist minister, who engaged in 

hing the g< -pel iii si uthwestern ( Him. Kentucky and Indiana. They 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 329 

were the parents of eight children: George M., of this review; Edwin 
S.. deceased; Alonzo, who died at the age of three years; William A., 
who has passed away; Joseph F, also deceased; Isabella, of Xew York, 
the wife of Edgar M. Ward, an artist of wide reputation; Katie, de- 
ceased; and Robert A., who also won distinction as an artist, but who 
has ii' w passed away, having died at the age of twenty-nine. In the 
year [853, the father of this family became a resident of Miami county, 
Ohio, where he followed farming and also engaged in the grain busi- 
ness. In 1864 be came to Champaign county and built a warehouse, 
where be successfully conducted a grain trade for a long period, but is 
now living retired, having put aside business cares about twelve years 
ago. He still owns farm lands and this returns to him a good income. 
He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and is now eighty- 
rive years of age. 

George M. Eichelberger, whose name introduces this review, ac- 
quired his rudimentary education in the common schools and afterward 
attended the high school at Piqua. while later he pursued his studies in 
Cincinnati. In i860 he entered the Ohio Wesleyan University at Dela- 
ware and from the recitation room went to the army, joining Company 
C, Eighty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He enlisted in May. [862, 
was made corporal and served for three months, after which he re- 
turned to college and resumed his studies, receiving a diploma of gradu- 
ation from the Ohio Weslevan University in June, 1864. In May of the 
same year he again volunteered and re-enlisted in Company F, One 
Hundred and Forty-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and at the close 
1 f bis term of service he came to Urbana, to which place his parents 
bad removed in the meantime. Here he and Mr. W. R. Warnock became 
fellow students of the law under Judge Ichabod Corwin. They were 
admitted to the bar in 1866. entering into partnership relations, and began 
the practice of law. which tliev continued together for ten years, when 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

Mr. YVarnock was elected common pleas judge. In 1871 Mr. Eichel- 
berger was elected county prosecuting attorney, in which position he 
served for four years with success. . 

On the 17th of October, [872, Air. Eichelberger was united in 
marriage to Miss Emma Ring, a daughter of Hamilton King, of Urbana, 
and their Hving children arc as follows : ( ieorge H., the eldest, is a prom- 
inent and rising young attorney of Cleveland, Ohio, who served for two 
years as United States marshal of the consular court at Shanghai, China, 
but resigned the position to enter upon the practice of law; Frederick 
Benteeri, the second member of the family, is assistant chief in the agri- 
cultural division of the Census Bureau; Susie, who married Jerome 
B. Zerbe, of Cleveland, Ohio; and Frank and Robert, who are at home. 
Mr. Eichelberger is a charter member of the W. A. Brand Post, No. 
107, G. A. R. In politics he has always been a stanch and active Re- 
publican and was a delegate to the Republican national convention of 
1884, supporting James G. Blaine for the presidency. He was again 
a delegate to the national convention in 1896. He served as chairman 
of the executive county committee for many years and his oratorical abil- 
ity has been greatly sought in campaign work, his addresses being elo- 
quent, logical interesting and convincing. As a lawyer he has obtained 
a foremost position at the Urbana bar. h : s skill and ability placing him 
among these who have long since left the ranks of the many to stand 
among the successful few. 



•WARD B. GAUMER. 

It is with particular pleasure and satisfaction that we turn attention 
to the life histon o\ the bom irecl cil izen of 1 Frbana \\ In ise name initi 
this paragraph. For not only has he })^cn for many years prominently 
identified with the industrial activities of the city, being" now the only 




MR. AND MRS. EDWARD B. GADMER. 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 333 

resident of the place who has been consecutively in business here Erom 
the time when he founded his enterprise— nearly a half century ago- 
so that his is the distinction of being the oldest business man in the city : 
but in addition to this circumstance stands the record of an honorable 
and proline life and a genealogical history which bespeaks long identifica- 
tion with the annals of the nation, the Gaumer family having been 
founded in Pennsylvania prior to the war of the Revolution. 

The original American ancestor in the agnatic line was Johannes 
Dietrich Gaumer, who was one of a company of about fifty emigrants 
who came from Wurtemberg, Germany, to the United States in the 
year 1720. locating in Pennsylvania, whither they had fled to escape 
religious persecution in their native land, all being of the Lutheran 
faith. Edward Benjamin Gaumer. the immediate subject of this sketch, 
was horn in Macungie, Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, on the 30th of 
August, 1827, the son of Charles and Lucy Ann 1 Snyder) Gaumer. 
Charles Gaumer was a son of Frederick and Sallie ( Desch ) Gaumer. 
the latter of whom was a daughter of Adam Desch. who came from 
Wurtemberg, Germany, and located in Pennsylvania, where he pur- 
chased a tract of land, on the 23d of September, 1788. He and his 
Mile. Gertrude, had two sons and four daughters, namely: Jacob, 
Philip. Catherine. Elizabeth, Mary and Sallie. Lucy Ann Snyder, the 
mother of our subject, was born in Pennsylvania, the daughter of 
Peter and Sophia ( Friend) Snyder, the former of whom was a son of 
Peter and Dorothy Snyder, of Lehigh county, Pennsylvania. In the 
various generations the families have clung to the faith of the Lutheran 
church and have represented the most sterling manhood and woman- 
hood. Charles and Lucy Ann ( Snyder) Gaumer became the parent- of 
six children, namely: Edward B., the immediate subject of this sketch: 
Sarah Ann, James Aaron and Charles Madison, who are deceased; and 
Josephine Clarissa and Sophia. The father was a tailor by trade and 



334 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

vocation, and both lie and his wife passed their entire lives in the Key- 
stone state. 

Edward V>. Cannier was reared in his native town, where his edu- 
cational advantages were somewhat limited in scope, ami there he served 
an apprenticeship of three years at the trade of carriage-making, after 
which, at the age of nineteen years, he left home and went to Reading, 
Pennsylvania, where he was employed as a journeyman at his trade for 
a period of about five years. Thereafter he was located about a year 
in Philadelphia, returning thence to Reading for a time and then com- 
ing to Marshall ville, Wayne county, Ohio, the home of one of his 
aunts. Thence he went to Wooster, where he was employed for a time 
in making hoppers fur threshing machines, after which he made his 
way mi foot to Zanesville, the hardships encountered while en mute 
being such that be was incapacitated for active work for six weeks after 
his arrival in the town mentioned. There he was employed at his 
trade for nearly a year and then passed an equal period in similar occu- 
pation in the city of Columbus. From the capital of the state be came 
to Urbana, arriving on the ist of March, 1854. By industry and econ- 
omy he had accumulated a small financial reserve, and this proved 
adequate to enable him to engage in business on his own responsibility. 
He associated himself with William Warren in the purchase of a carriage 
shop in Urbana, and the firm of Warren & Gaumer thereafter con- 
tinued in business until the death of the senior member, in 1890, when 
the firm of E. B. Gaumer & Sons was organized and has since con- 
tinued the enterprise, which has grown to one of no inconsiderable si >pe 
and importance, involving the manufacture of all varieties of light 
vehicles, sleighs, etc. The factory is well equipped and its products 
are of die highest degree of excellence, being built upon honor and 
invariably showing the best workmanship and finish. This is the 
oldest manufacturing concern in the city, and its history has been one 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 335 

characterized by progressive methods and indubitable integrity on the 
part of the interested principals, while the venerable founder of the 
enterprise still strong and vigorous, is well known throughout this 
section of the state and is honored and esteemed by all who know him. 
Mr. Gaumer has always been an uncompromising Republican in his 
political views, hut has never consented to serve in any public office. 
He has been a lifelong member of the Lutheran church and upon his 
entire career rests no shadow of wrong or suspicion of equivocation 
in any of the relations of life, his sturdy honesty of purpose being a 
dominating characteristic. He has given close attention to his business 
and has not been denied a due measure of success nor the reward of 
public respect and good will. 

On the 13th of March, 1850. Mr. Gaumer was united in marriage 
to Miss Hannah Hamman, who was horn in Lehigh county. Pennsyl- 
vania, on the 28th of January. 1825, and who proved to him a devoted 
wife and true helpmeet, her gentle and noble character endearing her 
to all with whom she came in contact, while her memory remains as 
a benediction resting upon those who were nearest and clearest to her. 
She was summoned into eternal rest on the 17th of August. 1890. hav- 
ing been a devoted member of the Lutheran church. Mr. and Mrs. 
Gaumer became the parents of five children, all of whom are living 
except Mary Lucy, who died in childhood. The survivors are Augustus 
H.. George E., Alice L. and C. Blanche. 

Augustus H. Gaumer was born in Urbana on the [8th of Decem- 
ber, [856, completed his education in the high school of his native city, 
where he was graduated as a member of the class of 1874. and during 
his business career has been identified with the enterprise established by 
his father nearly a half century ago. In 1884 he was united in mar- 
riage to Miss Cyrena Johnson, of Urbana, and they have two daugh- 
ters, — Josephine A. and Reran J. 



336 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

George E. Gaumer, who is likewise associated with his father in 
business, was boim in Urbana on the 25th of January. 1861, and was 
graduated in the local high school in [879. In 1897 was solemnized 
his marriage to Miss Martha Kunath, who was burn in Neustadt, Ger- 
many. They have two children, — Edward K. and Agnes H. The two 
daughters of our subject still abide beneath the paternal roof, and the 
old home is a center of generous hospitality. 



THOMAS H. BERRY. 

Thomas H. Berry was born January 5, 1820, in Urbana, and was 
a son of Judge E. C. Berry, one of the most prominent and leading 
factors in the earl) history of Champaign county. Thomas H. Berry 
spent his entire life in the city of his nativity with the exception of 
three years passed in Chicago and in Danville, Illinois. Throughout 
his connection with the business interests here he was largely engaged 
in the grocery trade. It is said that his characteristics in childhood were 
obedience and a tractable spirit which could always be influenced by 
reasonable methods. As a man he was upright and honest in all busi- 
ness relations, was kind, loving and considerate as a father in the house- 
bold and helpful as a friend and neighbor. In matters of citizenship 
he was loyal and trustworthy, and for nineteen years served as town- 
ship treasurer, proving a worthy custodian of the public finances. His 
dead) occurred November 9. 1870. and bis many excellent qualities 
had so endeared him to his family, however, and made him such a 
worthy factor in business circles that his lnss was deeply felt through- 
out the entire community. 

On the 1st of May, [846. Thomas 11. Berry was united in mar- 




■ 



^w* 



*►" 





CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 339 

riage to Luxima Hughes, a daughter of James R. Hughes, of < Oxford, 
Ohio, who was a son of the first Presbyterian minister of Champaign 
county and the first principal of Miami University, at Oxford, Ohio. 
The lady was born in that city, June 8, 1820, and now resides in Urbana. 
By her marriage she became the mother of seven children : One daugh- 
ter. Mar}- Lamme: Thomas C, who is connected with the grocery trade 
of this city; James H. and Harry M., both of Wichita, Kansas; Will- 
iam E., who is assistant cashier in the National Bank of Urbana; Charles 
]., of California: and Lou B.. who is an insurance agent of Urbana. 
The father was a consistent member of the Presbyterian church for nearly 
thirty years and took an active interest in its work and in all that ex- 
tended its influence. His life was capable; his honor unimpeached, and 
his integrity unquestioned. 



THOMAS C. BERRY. 

Thomas C. Berry was born in Urbana January 27, i8_)9. and in 
the schools of this city pursued his education, whereby he was fitted 
for life's practical and responsible duties. When quite a young man he 
entered his father's grocery store and thus became familiar with com- 
mercial methods. Later he was admitted to a partnership in the enter- 
prise, becoming a member of the firm in [870, when twenty-one years 
of age. under the name of T. H. Berry & Son. As the years passed 
more and more of the management and control of the business devolved 
upon him. and upon his father's death he succeeded to the enterprise as 
sole proprietor, but retains the firm name of T. H. Berry's Son, out of 
respect for his father, who established the business. He has a large 
grocery house in which he carries a full and complete line of staple and 



340 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

fancy groceries and his business has assumed extensive proportions, 
so that his trade is now gratifying and profitable. 

Ln 1874 occurred the marriage of Mr. Berry and Miss Eudora 
Vance, granddaughter of Governor James C. Vance, and unto them 
have been born two children: Bertha, the wife of Frank McCracken, 
of Crbana; and Bessie, now Airs. George McCracken. Both Mr. and 
Mrs. Berry hold membership in the Presbyterian church. He is .111 
earnest adherent of Republican principles and for twenty years has been 
township treasurer, a fact which indicates unmistakably the confidence 
and trust reposed in him. Although he entered upon a business already 
established, many a man of less resolute principles would not have suc- 
ceeded in carrying forward the undertaking. In all trade transactions, 
however, he has shown keen discernment, unfaltering energy and hon- 
esty which is beyond question, and his career proves that success is not 
a matter of genius, but the outcome of labor and experience. 



WILLIAM F. RING. 

The subject of this review, who is one of the representative mem- 
bers ol the Liar of Champaign county, is one whose ancestral history 
traces back to the colonial epoch of the nation and to that period which 
marked the inception of the greatest republic the world has ever known. 
1 he family is of stanch Swedish extraction, the original American an- 
cestor having located in Maryland, where many of hi- descendants are 
still to be found and where the name has been one of no slight promi- 
nence in the public and private affairs of that commi nwealth. 

Though William F. Ring has passed the greater portion of his life 
in Ohio, he is a native of the sunny southland, having been bom in the 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 341 

city of Natchez. Mississippi, on the 27th of June. 1858, the son of Dr. 
Hamilton and Susan (Whitelock) Ring, both of whom were born in 
Maryland, where they were reared and educated, their marriage being 
solemnized in the city of Baltimore. The paternal grandfather of our 
subject was David King, who bore the full patronymic of his father. 
David, Sr.. and both were born in Maryland, thus giving assurance that 
the family there had its foundation in an early day. Prior to the war 
of the Rebellion the father of our subject removed from Maryland to 
LJrbana, Ohio, where he was engaged in the practice of bis profession 
for several years, after which he removed to Mississippi, locating in the 
city of Natchez, whence he later removed to Port Gibson, where he was 
located during the war. He then returned to Urbana, where he was 
actively engaged in the practice of medicine until 1884. when he suffered 
a stroke of paralysis, from the effects of which he died, at the age of 
sixty-two years. He was a physician of marked ability, controlled a 
representative practice and was uniformly loved and honored for his 
noble character and intrinsic kindliness. His widow still maintains her 
home in Urbana, as do her four children, namely : Emma, who is the 
wife of George M. Eichelberger ; Dr. Charles F.. who is here engaged 
in the practice of medicine; Elizabeth C, who remains with her mother; 
and V, illiam F., the immediate subject of this review. 

V. illiam. F. Ring secured his preliminary educational discipline in 
the south, where be passed his boyhood days, and thereafter continued 
his studies in the Urbana public schools and the Urbana University, 
which institution he entered in 1872, completing the prescribed course 
and being graduated as a member of the class of 1879. ^ n January of 
the following year he became deputy clerk in the office of the probate 
judge, retaining this incumbency until October of the following year, 
when he resigned the positii n in order to begin the work of preparing 
himself for the profession of law, which be had determined to adopt as 



34^ CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

his vocation in life. He was duly matriculated in the Cincinnati College 
of Law and was there graduated in May, [882, simultaneously securing 
admission to the bar of the state, lie returned to Urbana and entered 
upon the practice of his profession, his novitiate being of practically 
brief duration, since his talents, devotion and energy soon gained him 
recognition. He is a strong advocate, presenting no case until he has 
thoroughly summed up the salient points and prepared himself to meet 
all exigencies, while as a counsel he is safe and conservative. His knowl- 
edge oi the science of jurisprudence is broad and accurate, and he has 
won distinction and prestige in his chosen profession. 

In his political allegiance Mr. King is found stanchly arrayed with 
the Republican party, and though he takes a proper interest in public 
affairs he has believed his profession worth}" of his entire time and best 
efforts and has never been a seeker for political preferment. He is 
secretary of the Home Loan Company, fraternally is identified with the 
Masonic order and the Knights of Pythias, in which latter he has 
passed the various official chairs, and his religious faith is that of the 
Swedenborgian church, in which he was reared. 

On the 15th of June, 1882, Mr. Ring was united in marriage to 
.Mi-- Luella Magrew, of Champaign county, and they have two chil- 
dren. — Gertrude M. and Hamilton M. 



E. ERWOOD CHENEY. 

Judge Cheney is a native of Champaign county, his birth having 
occurred in Goshen township. July _'. (86l, his parents being lames 
Henry and Beatrice S. (Tullis) Cheney. His father, also a native of 
this county, is now residing in Mechanicshurg. and was a son of fona- 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 343 

Cheney, one of the honored pioneer settlers of this portion of the 
state. The family name is of French origin and was originally spelled 
( hene. meaning "oak." The mother of our subject was born in this 
county, and her father. Ezra Carter Tullis, was also a native of Cham- 
paign county, while his grandfather, Ezra Tullis. was born in \ ir- 
ginia. The father of our subject was a farmer, following that pursuit 
until his retirement from active business. Thus upon the home farm 
our subject spent the first fourteen years of his life and then accom- 
panied hi- parents 1 n their removal to Mechanicsburg. He is the eldest 
of four children, the others being Brooke, who died July 2, 1890. leav- 
ing a widow, who i- m w deceased, and one child; Lizzie Rachel, who 

he wife of Marion L. Burnham. of London, Ohio; and William 
Henry, at home. 

Judge Cheney is indebted to the public school system of this state 
for the early educational privileges which he enjoyed. He is a gradu- 
ate 'if the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, having completed the 
classical course in 1883, while in 1885 he was graduated in the Cincin- 
nati Law Schoul and was admitted to the bar on the 25th of May of 
that year. He began practicing in Urbana in 1888, having previous to 
this time been engaged in settling up the business of the Mechanicsburg 
Machine Company, while for fifteen months he acted as manager for its 
successor, W. C. Downey & Company, who have since removed to 
Springfield, Ohio. After entering upon the practice of law Judge 
Cheney became a partner of C. B. Heiseman. the relation between them 
being maintained for five years. In the fall of 1896 our subject was 

ted probate judge, entering upon the duties of the office February 9, 
[897. When two years had passed he was re-elected, so that he is the 
present incumbent. Hi- legal learning, 1m- analytical mind, the readi- 
ness with which he grasps the points in an argument, all combine to 
make him one of the mi -t capable jurists of this court, and the public 



344 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

and the profession acknowledge him the peer of any mind that has ever 
sat upon this bench. 

In [888 Judge Cheney was married to .Miss Cora M. Burnhaim, of 
Madison county, Ohio, a lady of superior culture and refinement, who 
was graduated from the Ohio Wesleyan University in 1884. They have 
two daughters, Helen and Ruth. Fraternally the Judge is a Knight 
Templar Mason and also belongs to the Mystic Shrine at Dayton. He 
has passed all of the chairs in the chapter, lodge and commandery, and 
his life exemplifies the beneficent spirit of the craft. He holds member- 
ship in the First Methodist Episcopal church and is serving as one of 
its trustees. Honored and respected in every class of society, he has 
for >ome time been a leader in thought and action in the public life of 
Champaign county, and his name is inscribed high on the roll of its 
leading citizens. 



MICHAEL GALLIGHER. 

Michael Galligher was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, January 
16, 1831, a son of Michael and Henrietta (Lutz) Galligher. The father 
was born in Millers, Lancaster county. Pennsylvania, and was a son of 
Michael Galligher, Si\, whose birth occurred in Ireland and who tool 
up his abode in Lancaster county as a pioneer settler, spending his re- 
maining days there. By occupation be was a farmer and in his family 
were the following named children: John; Daniel; Samuel; Hugh; 
Michael: Mary and Elizabeth. 

Michael Galligher, the father of our subject, was the eldest son 
and was born and reared in Lancaster county. Excellent educational 
privileges were afforded him and he was graduated in the old Pennsyl- 
vania University. Subsequently he studied law in an office in Hani-.- 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 345 

burg with the elder Ellmaker, a noted jurist of that place, and after his 
admission to the bar engaged in the practice of his profession in Gettys- 
burg, Pennsylvania. It was in that city that he was married; later he re- 
moved to Pittsburg and afterward to York. Pennsylvania. His wife was 
born in Baltimore, Maryland, of German parentage. Mr. Galligher died 
in York, November 16, [863, at the age of seventy-seven years, and his 
wife passed away in the same city. March 7, 1850. at the age of forty- 
tun years. Their children were Caroline, now deceased, Michael. Hen- 
rietta, William, Joseph and Samuel, all of whom have passed away 
except the subject of this sketch. The father gave his political support 
to the Whig part}' until its dissolution, when he joined the ranks of the 
new Republican party. In religious faith he was a Roman Catholic, 
while his wife belonged to the Lutheran church. 

Michael Galligher, whose name introduces this record, spent the 
first years of his life in Kittaning, Pennsylvania, to which place his 
parents removed when he was about a year old, going thence to 
^ ork, when he was a youth of fifteen years. His early education was 
obtained in the Kittaning Academy and he afterward pursued a classical 
course under a private tutor at York. Later he began reading law un- 
der the direction of his father and at the age of twenty-nine years he 
responded to President Lincoln's first call for troops in the defense of 
the Union, going on the 25th of April, 1861, as a member of Company 
l ! . Sixteenth Pennsylvania Volunteers. Upon the organization of the 
c mpany he was elected first lieutenant, and served until July 31, 1861, 
when he received an honorable discharge by reason of the expiration of 
his term of enlistment. During that period the command was compelled 
5S the Potomac river six times, wading in water up to their neck-. 
Mr. Galligher caught a severe cold and was afterward troubled with 
hemorrhage of the lungs. Later, however, he assisted in raisin- the 
Cue Hundred and Forty-seventh Pennsylvania Regiment, but about the 



346 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

time the organization was effected his ill-health was manifested in the 
way mentioned and on account of his physical disability he was com- 
pelled to resign from further military service, otherwise he would have 
been elected major, fie had been commissioned captain to recruit for 
the service, with the understanding that he would he major of the or- 
ganization recruited. He is now a member of the Grand Army of the 
Republic and also of the military order of the Loyal Legion, being o n- 
nected with the commanderv of Ohio. 

In i8(u Mr. Galligher came to Urbana and engaged in merchan- 
dising, conducting a dry goods store until 1878, with fair success. He 
had been admitted to the bar in 1868, but by the advice of his physician 
turned his attention to merchandising, the doctor believing it would prove 
more beneficial to his health than the practice of law. but commercial 
pursuits were not entirely to his taste. He had been admitted to the 
bar in York, Pennsylvania, and ten years later was admitted t<> prac- 
tice in the courts of Ohio. In 1866 he was elected a justice of the peace 
and served for one term, when finding that his official duties interfered 
with the private practice of law, he declined a further election. In 1878, 
however, he was again chosen to that position and has continued in it 
up to the present time, being chosen by popular suffrage at each elec- 
tion. His decisions are ever marked bv impartiality and fairness and he 
has won the confidence of the people. He has likewise attended to his 
private law practice and has prosecuted many pension and other claims 
against the United State- government. 

Ihe Major was married on the 13th of December. 1883, x " Adelia 
E. Wicker, and they have a pleasant and hospitable home in Urbana, 
where their circle of friend-, i- extensive. They hold member-hip in 
the Methodist Episcopal church and the Major is a very prominent Ma- 
son, belonging to Harmony Lodge. X". X. F. & A. M., Urbana Chap- 
ter, No. 34, R. & A. M.. Urbana Council. R. & S. M., Draper Com 



CE.XTEX.XI.IL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 347 

mandery No. 19, K. T., and has taken the thirty-second degree of the 
Scottish Rite, belonging to the Ohio Consistory at Cincinnati. He has 
been worshipful master of the lodge, high priest of the chapter and 
twice illustrious master of the council. In politics he has ever been an 
active Republican, having firm faith in the principles of the party, and 
doing everything in his power to promote its growth and secure its suc- 
cess. He was a delegate to the convention that nominated John C. Fre- 
mont in 1856 and has been a consistent Republican ever since, always 
taking an active interest in all public matters. 



DAXIEL J. HULL. 

Champaign county figures as one of the most attractive, progress- 
ive and prosperous divisions of the state of Ohio, justly claiming a high 
order of citizenship and a spirit of enterprise which is certain to bring 
about steady development and marked advancement in the material up- 
building of the section. The county has beer, and is signally favored in 
the class of men who have controlled its affairs in official capacities, 
and in this connection the subject of this review demands representa- 
tion as one who has served the county faithfully and well in positions 
of trust and responsibility. He is now filling the office of sheriff, to 
which he was elected on the Republican ticket by the vote of his fellow 
townsmen. 

Mr. Hull was born on a farm in Union township. Champaign county, 
May 14. 1859, his parents, George and Mar) Ann (Stout) I lull, both 
being natives of York county. Pennsylvania, where they were re 
and married. In 1851 they came to this county and settled in Me- 
chanicsburg, but about two years afterward removed I Salem t 

18 



348 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. ■ 

ship and subsequently to Union township, where their remaining days 
were passed. The father carried on agricultural pursuits, but was a 
blacksmith b) trade and followed that occupation for a half century, 
abandoning it on account of failing eyesight, lie met with a fair de- 
gree of success in business and bore the reputation of an honest and re- 
liable man. In his political views be was a Republican, but never sought 
or desired office. Both he and his wife were devoted and consistent 
members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Her death occurred De- 
cember 26, 1879, at the age of fifty-nine years, and the lather long 
surviving her passed away at the age of eighty-four years and twenty- 
four days, on the 21st of July, 1901. In their family were nine children, 
but three of the number died in infancy. Those still living are: Louise 
C. the wife of John Sigman, of Mutual. Ohio; Dr. William II.. of Ko- 
komo, Indiana; Jesse E., of Gallatin, Missouri; George C, of Cushing, 
Payne county. Oklahoma; Daniel J.; and Winfield S., of Okmulgee, 
Indian Territory. 

On the old family homestead Daniel J. Hull remained until twenty- 
one years of age. He was educated in the public schools and in the 
Northwestern Ohio Normal University at Ada, Ohio. On attaining his 
majority he entered the United States railway mail service on the Pitts- 
burg. Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad, being thus employed for three 
years. He afterward became a traveling salesman, representing the 
firm of Hackedorn, Baxter & Company, wholesale cracker manufac- 
turer; of Lima. Ohio. Later he was with the firm of Lewis, Fox & 
Company, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, wholesale cracker bakers and con- 
fectii iie'-. Subsequent!) he represented the Standard Oil Company, for 
twel < u 3 traveling in tvestern Ohio from the lake to the < Ihio river, 
and left the read when he went into public office. lie was a popular 
and successful traveling man. known for his reliability in business and 
liked for his genial and courteous manner. 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 349 

On the 31st of January. 1884, Mr. Hull was united in marriage 
b Miss Jennie C. Slechter. of Ada. Ohio, and unto them were born 
the following children: Harry B. : Claudine; Gladys, a bright and in- 
teresting child, who died at the of nine years; Dean: and Elizabeth 
Louise. 

Air. Hull has always been a stalwart Republican, doing all in his 
power to promote the growth ami insure the success of his party. For 
several years he served as a member of the county central committee 
and was twice elected its chairman. He was never a candidate for 
public office until 1900, when his name was placed on the Republican 
ticket as the nominee for sheriff. Being elected, he entered upon the 
duties of the office. January 7. 1901. and is now filling the position most 
creditably. He is a manber of Harmony Lodge, No. 8. F. & A. M. ; 
Urbana Chapter. R. A. M. : and is identified with Mosgrove Lodge, 
I. O. O. F. ; Launcelot Lodge, No. 107. K. P.: the Junior Order of 
American Mechanics ; and Urbana Council, No. 139. United Commercial 
Travelers. A man of natural ability, he has won success in business, 
has gained a wide acquaintance among men, who esteem him fur his gen- 
uine w>.rth, and is justly regarded as one of the representative and prom- 
inent citizens of Champaign county. 



SAMUEL W. HITT. 

It i- an important public duty to honor and perpetuate as far as 
possible the memory of an eminent citizen — one who by his blameless 
and hi norable life and distinguished career reflected, credit not only upon 
the city in which he made his home, but upon the state. Through such 
memorials as this an individual and the character of hi- services are kept 



350 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

in remembrance, and the importance of those services acknowledged. 
His example, in whatever field his work may have been done, thus stands 
as an object lesson to those who come after him, and though dead he 
still speaks. Long after all recollection of his personality shall have 
faded from the minds of men, the less perishable record may tell the 
story of his life and commend his example for imitation. No man was 
ever more respected in Urbana or ever more fully enjoyed the confi- 
dence of the people than Samuel \V. Hitt. For many years he was act- 
ively associated with mercantile interests in Urbana. and his efforts 
contributed not alone to his own prosperity, but also to the welfare and 
commercial activity of his city. 

Mr. llitt was born on a farm about one mile north of the city of 
Urbana. in the year 1817, his parents being Rev. Samuel and Ann 
(Smith) llitt. About the year 1N14. two brother-. .Martin and Samuel 
Hitt. both .Methodist ministers, came from Virginia and purchased a 
section of land, which they divided between them and most of which 
now lies within the present bounds of Urbana. Samuel Hitt was not 
only a pioneer settler of Champaign count) - , but also a pioneer Meth- 
odist minister in the county, and possessed many sterling qualities of 
heart and mind. His wife was a native of Maryland and was a wo 
o] many graces. Samuel W. Hitt began his business career at the age 
of fifteen years, by accepting a clerical position in the general store then 
ated by John Reynolds, a pioneer merchant of Urbana. Bv dint 
of industry, integrity and remarkable talent for mercantile affairs he 
Mse to a high position and in the year [852 purchased an interest in the 
business. About 1840 P. B. Ross had purchased an interest in the busi- 
ness and the firm style became John Reynolds & Company, which was 
changed to Ross, llitt & Company on the admission of Mr. llitt to a 
partnership. Up n the death of Mr. Reynolds in 1857, the name was 
changed to Ross & llitt and in [866, upon the retirement of the senior 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 35' 

partner, Mr. Hitt became sole proprietor. Fur a time he was alone 
and then admitted his brother-in-law, Mr. White, and his son-in-law, 
Mr. Mitchell, to an interest in the business, under the name oi Hitt, 
White & Company. The successors of this firm were Hitt & Mitchell. 
The next change made the firm style Hitt. Fuller & Rhoads, and this 
was followed by Hitt & Fuller. In 1888 George W. Hitt, the son of 
our subject, and James R. Fuller, his son-in-law, together with Edward 
Rhoads, succeeded to the business and on the retirement of Mr. Rhoads 
111 [892 the style of the firm became Hitt & Fuller, and was maintained 
even after the death of Mr. Fuller. Since his demise Mr. Hitt has been 
manager and owner of the business, maintaining the high standard 
which has ever characterized the house. This store is the oldest in Ur- 
bana, having been established by Mr. Reynolds about 1806. Until after 
the war a general retail business was carried on. Butter, eggs, wool and 
country produce were purchased and a general line of merchandise was 
sold. However, a change was gradually made in the stock and for 
more than twenty years the store has been supplied only with a line 
of drv goods, notions, cloaks and carpets. Throughout the years of its 
existence, the management of the store has ever been along lines of con- 
servatism, strict integrity and honesty. This system was inaugurated 
and strictly maintained by Samuel W. Hitt and has been continued by 
the present management. Samuel W. Hitt deserves more than passing 
notice in this connection. From the humble capacity of errand boy he 
gradually worked his way upward until he became a partner and then 
sole proprietor of the oldest and leading dry goods house of Urbana. 
His business methods were attended with gratifying success and more- 
over he enjoyed in an uncptalified degree the highest confidence of his 
fellowmen, for his reputation in trade circles was unassailable. 

In the year 1843 Samuel VV. Hitt was united in marriage to Miss 
Sara!) B., daughter of Joseph and Rebecca White, who were early set- 



352 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

tiers and highly respected people of this community. When the First 
Methodist Episcopal church endeavored to erect a building, Mr. White 
mortgaged his property in order to aid in the enterprise. He was a 
native of this state and his wife of Pennsylvania. In 1836 he removed 
to Urbana, becoming a pioneer shoe manufacturer and dealer of this 
city. His life was ever honorable and upright, in perfect harmony with 
Ins Christian principles and at his death he left to his family an untar- 
nished, name. His children were Mrs. John Young-. Mrs. F. W. Winston, 
Mrs. Malinda Smith, Joseph, and Mrs. Hitt. The last named was horn 
near Glendale, in the vicinity of Cincinnati, April 9, 1834, and when 
only two years old was brought by her parents to Urbana, where she 
has since made her home. By her marriage she became the mother of five 
children, namely: Joseph, who was killed while in action at Atlanta, 
as a soldier in the Sixty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry; Anna R., the 
widow of John T. Mitchell; George W. ; Lizzie, the widow of James 
R. Fuller; and Mary, who married J. E. Burchard. 

.Mr. Hitt died April 20, 1892, in his seventy-sixth year, leaving a 
widow and four children to mourn his loss. Mrs. Hitt is yet living in 
Urbana and is uniformly respected for her many sterling qualities and 
Christian graces. She is identified through membership relations with 
the First Methodist Episcopal church, of which Mr. Hitt was a worthy 
and honored member through many years, contributing liberally to its 
support, both of his time and money. For many years he served as 
chorister of the church and otherwise was an active Christian worker, 
lie was generous and public spirited and aided largely in the upbuild- 
ing of Urbana. He is yet and for many years to come will lie held in 
affectionate remembrance by his numerous friends, as well as by his im- 
mediate family. 

George W. Hitt. -on of the late Samuel W. Hitt. was horn in 
Urbana, January 14. [850, and educated in the schools of the city. 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 353 

Early in life he entered the store of his father, under whom he received 
his business training. For more than ten years Mr. Hitt has been the 
active member of the dry goods firm of Hitt & Fuller, conducting the 
business with marked success and enterprise, and is to-day recognized 
as a leading and capable business man among merchants. He was mar- 
ried in 1878 to Miss Julia Van Meter and they have one son— Joseph 
W. -Mr. and Mrs. Hitt are members of the First Methodist Episcopal 
church and are prominent in social and Masonic circles. 



PETER E. COLWELL. 

From the age of thirteen years Peter E. Colwell depended entirely 
upon his own resources for a livelihood and well has he earned the 
proud American title of a self-made man. His diligence and persistency 
of purpose at length brought to him success, so that be is now enabled 
to live retired, enjoying the fruits of bis former toil. He makes his 
home in Mechanicsburg and is one of the native sons of Champaign 
county, his birth having occurred in Rush township, February 24. 1826. 
His father. John Colwell. was a native of New Jersey, and the grand- 
father also bore the name of John Colwell and was of Scotch-Irish de- 
scent. In the state of his nativity the father was reared and married 
the lady of his choice. Electa Hand, who was born in New Jersey and 
lived to be about seventy-six years of age. while Mr. Colwell died about 
July 29, 1829, being killed by a falling tree. On leaving his native state 
he removed to Pennsylvania, thence to Hamilton county. Ohio, and 
afterward came to Champaign county, settling about ten miles east 
of Urbana in Rush township. On selling that farm he removed to a 
place two miles east in the same township, his home being one mile 



354 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

and a half south of what is now the village of Woodstock. Unto John 
and Electa Colwell were burn ten children, of whom two died in in^ 
fancy : Abrani, Hannah and Azel are also deceased. Benjamin L., born 
September II, 1815, now a resident near Wood River, Nebraska; Phebe, 
Mary and Charlotte have also passed away; John H., born July 29, 
1824. is a prominent minister of the Methodist Episcopal church, now- 
living in Champaign county, Illinois. 

Peter E. Colwell, the youngest member of the family, spent hia 
youth on the old home farm. He was only three and a half years of 
age at the time of his father's death and when a youth of thirteen began 
earning In- own living by working as a farm hand by the month. He 
attended school to a limited extent in the winter seasons, pursuing his 
studies in a little log building with greased paper windows and -lab 
seats. Ibe plow which he used in breaking the new ground had a 
\\i» .den mould-board and the other farm implements were e'qually as 
primitive, lie worked by the month until his marriage, which oc- 
curred in 1845, when he was twenty years of age. The lady of his 
choice was Lucinda J. Rutan, wdio was born in Goshen township. Cham- 
paign county, April 4, 1825, a daughter of Daniel and Mary 1 Riddle) 
Rutan. who were early settlers of Champaign count}-. Her father en- 
tered land from the government in Goshen township and upon that farm 
.Mi's. Colwell was born. The young couple began their domestic life 
upon a rented farm two miles north of Mechanicsburg, where they re- 
mained for a year. Eater Mr. Colwell engaged in the operation of a 
farm one mile north of Mechanicsburg, making it his home for three 
years, when with the capital he had acquired through hi- own labors 
he bought a farm of one hundred and fifty acres four miles north of the 
town.. When three years had passed, however, he sold that property 
and purchased another tract of land. lie has been engaged in buying 
and selling farms, while the grocery, undertaking and furniture business 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 355 

and other enterprises have also claimed his attention. In his various 
dealings he has so managed his affairs as to meet with creditable and 
gratifying success. He now owns seventy-five acres of good land near 
Mechanicsburg, and has been interested in the furniture and undertak- 

usinesS; but of late years has retired from active connections. 

Mr. and Mrs. Colwell have no children of their own, but reared two 
children. The girl whom they adopted, however, died at the age of thir- 
teen years. The boy is now D. W. Rutan, a well known citizen of Cham- 
paign comity. Mr. Colwell is an earnest and pronounced Republican 
and cast his first presidential vote for John C. Fremont. He has be- 
longed to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows since 1866 and is a 
loyal and devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which 
he is steward, while for a quarter of a century he has been trustee. He 
began life a poor boy. but with the assistance of his admirable wife, who 
has indeed proved a helpmate to him. he has worked his way steadily 
upward from a humble financial position to one of affluence. 



C. A. BAKER. 



C. A. Baker, who is now living retired, has through his own un- 
aided efforts acquired a most comfortable competence. He is one of the 
oldest residents of Mechanicsburg, his birth having occurred in Dayton, 
Montgomery county, on the 8th of October, 1830. The family i- «'i' 
Dutch origin and was founded in America at a very early date. The 
paternal grandfather was a large landed proprietor of Virginia, where 
he owned three thousand acres and was regarded a- one of the promi- 
nent and wealthy residents of bis part of the state. Among his chil- 
dren was John Baker, the father of our subject. He was born in the 



55& CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

Old Dominion and was numbered among the pioneer residents of Day- 
ton. Ohio. In 1830 he came to Mechanicsburg, where lie made his home 
until called to his final rest on the 13th of February, 1841. For many 
years he served as justice of the peace, and his rulings were so fair and 
impartial that he won the high commendation of all concerned. By oc- 
cupation he was a grocer and his well conducted store brought to him 
a good financial return. He strongly endorsed temperance principles 
and labored to promote the non-use of alcoholic beverages. He gave his 
political support to the Whig party, voted for William Henry Harri- 
son in 1S40 and was a warm admirer of Henry Clay. He was widely 
known as 'Squire Baker and was highly respected because of his genu- 
ine worth. In his religious views he was a Universalist and his life 
was so honorable and upright that he left to his family an untarnished 
name. He was twice married, his first union being with Miss Kirby, 
by whom he had a son and daughter, the latter being Charlotte, the 
wife of Dr. F. Owens, now deceased. She was eighty-two years <>f age 
in 1901. '1 he son of the first marriage has passed away. His second 
marriage was with Ann M. Henderson, a native of Virginia, born in 
1807. Her father, Charles Henderson, was also born in Virginia, and 
followed the occupation of farming. Mrs. Baker was called ti > her final 
rest in July, 1885, having survived her husband many years. Bv her 
marriage she became the mother of seven children, of whom our sub- 
ject was the second in order of birth and the eldest son. His brothers 
and sisters were: Margaret A., now deceased: Amelia J., the widow of 
Benjamin Taylow, Sarah J. l.wing, of Mechanicsburg; Robert B. 11.. 
also oi Mechanicsburg: Joseph, who has passed away; and 1 n< 
died in infancy. 

( '. V Baker, of this review, was about two years old when brought 
to Champaign county by his parents. He was reared in Mechanicsburg 
and educated in the public schools and at the age of sixteen years began 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 357 

learning the tailor's trade, completing his apprenticeship in Piqua. Ohio, 
,„ ,s 4 S He then returned to Mechanicsburg and continued Ins educa- 
te for a year with Professor Henkle and Mr. Wilson. In t8 49 , how- 
ever he turned his attention to the grocery trade in Mechanicsburg, 
following that pursuit tor about a year. In 1850 he went to Milford 
Center where he engaged in the tailoring business for a year, on the 
expiration of that period returning to Mechanicsburg, where be again 
established a grocery and also conducted a clothing business in connec- 
ts W ith J P. Smith, now deceased. He was thus an actrve factor in. 
business circles in this place until about ,853. when he purchased two 
farms, comprising three hundred and forty acres. Locating upon Ins 
land he carried on agricultural pursuits for thirteen years and on the 
expiration of that period sold out and in August. 1867, once more took 
up his abode in Mechanicsburg. which has been his home continuously 
since. For some years he engaged in buying and selling stock, but ts 
now living retired in the enjoyment of a well earned rest. 

On the 24th of April. 1853, Mr. Baker was united in marriage 
to Miss Jane Fullington, a native of Union county, Ohio, whose father 
was a large land owner in both Union and Mason counties. Mrs. Baker 
is the eldest of four children and was reared in the county of her na- 
tivity She reached the age of seventy-eight years on the 4* ot Jan- 
uary iqoi but is now suffering from ill-health, having been stricken 
with paralvsis November 23, I9°i- Unto Mr. and Mrs. Baker have 
been born three children: Abbie, who became the wife of Charles 
Frarv, of Chicago, and died, leaving one son. Herbert B.. a resident 
of Cleveland. Ohio ; Walter S.. who first married Laura Kates and after- 
ward wedded Lillian Stacy, by whom he has one daughter, Abbie J.; 
and diaries, who died when about one year old. 

In his political views Mr. Baker is a stanch Republican and has. 
filled the office of justice of the peace, yet has neve, been a politician 



358 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

in the sense of office-seeking. He is ;i prominent Mason, who has at- 
tained the Knight Templar degree, belonging to Raper Commandery, 
No. 19, at Urbana. He has been a lifelong member of the Methodist 
Episcopal church and he believes in the final salvation of all mankind. 
With one exception he is the oldest resident of Mechanicsburg. Through 
many years he has been a witness of the growth and development of this 
county and has ever taken a deep interest in its progress and improve- 
ment, his own efforts contributing in no small measure to that end. 
Throughout his long business career his course was ever one of honor 
and industry, perseverance and keen sagacity being numbered among 
his strong characteristics and proving potent elements in winning him 

success. 

+-— 

ORVTLLE NOBLE. 

The old 'lav state of Massachusetts, where was cradled so much 
of our national history, figures as the native place of this venerable and' 
bom ired citizen of Urbana, where he has maintained his home for 
nearly half a century, having been actively identified with its business 
activities for many years, and finally retiring to that dignified repose and 
surcease of active labor which constitute the just reward of earnest and 
honest endeavor. As the shadows of his life lengthen be can look back 
with satisfaction upon the exertions of past years and rejoice in the 
prosperity which has attended his efforts and enabled him to crown his 
days with peace and restful calm, '"far from the madding crowd's ignoble 

si rife." 

( h\illc Noble was born in the village of Russell. Hampden county, 
Massachusetts, or the 2d of January, 1821, being, in both the paternal 

and maternal lines, a representative of old and honored families of this 




Ch-lfC&^tfa44^ 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 361 

colonial commonwealth. In the agnatic line the family is cf Eni 
derivation, and the original American ancestor came from the "tight 
little isle' and settled in Massachusetts in the early colonial epoch. 
The parents of our subject were Reuben and Cynthia (Gowdy) Noble, 
and both were born in Massachusetts, where the}- passed their entire 
lives, becoming the parents of two sons and three daughters, all of 
whom are deceased with the exception of the subject of this review. 
Silas Noble, grandfather of out subject, was a man of prominence in 
his day and was one of the influential citizens of Hampden county, 
Massachusetts, lie had five sons and two daughters and his descend- 
ants are to be found in diverse sections of the Union. Our subject 
was reared to the age of six years in his native town and then the family 
removed to Granville, in the same county, and that place continued to 
be his home until his removal to Urbana, Ohio, in 1856. Having 
availed himself of such advantages as were afforded by the common 
schools of Granville, he supplemented this discipline by a course of study 
in an excellently conducted select school in Springfield, Massachusetts. 
That he duly profited by his scholastic advantages is evident from the 
fact that he qualified himself for pedagogic work, becoming a teacher 
at the age of twenty-one years and following this vocation with gratify- 
ing success for a period of eight years thereafter. 

In the town of Granville. Massachusetts, in the year 1846, was 
solemnized the marriage of Mr. Noble to Miss Caroline A. Bates, a 
member of a prominent family of that state. She accompanied him 
on his removal to Urbana and here passed the residue of her life, prov- 
ing a devoted companion ami helpmeet to her husband, sharing in his 
joys and sorrows, aiding and encouraging him in his efforts and walk- 
ing by his side down the checkered pathway of life fir more than half 
a century, when the veil was lifted to grain the new elorv of 
and noble life, death setting its seal upon her mortal lips on the 14th 



362 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

of November, 1899. They became the parents of one child, .Mary A., 
who is now the wife of William M. Rock, of Urbana, and who accords 
to her father the utmost filial solicitude. Upon his arrival in Urbana 
Mr. Noble engaged in the garden-seed business, in which he success, 
fully continued for a period of thirteen years, while he also became 
interested in agricultural enterprises ami other ventures which rendered 
him good returns, enabling him to secure a competency for the declin- 
ing years of his life. He is the owner of a good farm in Salem town- 
ship and has an attractive residence property in the city of Urbana, 
where he continues to make his home, honored as one of the venerable 
and sterling citizens of the county and having the so'.ace conferred by 
many audi warm friendships. 

In politics Mr. Noble originally gave his support to the Whig 
party, but upon the organization of the Republican party transferred 
his support to the same, though he lias never been active in political 
maneuvers and lias never sought public office. He has long been a 
devoted member of the Presbyterian church, as was also his wife, whose 
life was in harmony with the faith which she professed. Fraternally 
our subject has long held membership in the Masonic order, being 1 
member of Harmony Lodge, F. & A. M. ; R. A. M. ; and Raper Com- 
manders- , No. [9, Knights Templar, of which he was recorder for nine 
years. 



FRED NEER. 



Fred Xeer i> one of the progressive, wide-awake and enterprising 
men of Mechanksburg, where he is conducting a creamery, lie was 
horn in Clark county, Ohio, November 22, 1864, and 1- a brother of 
J. S. Neer. He was the fifth child in his father's family and like the 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 363 

others of the household pursued his early education in the district schi ols, 
later continuing his studies in the high school of Mechanicsburg. He 
was only four years of age when brought by his parents to this county 
and remained with his father upon the old farm homestead until, he had 
attained his majority, assisting in the labors of the field. When nineteen 
years of age he began teaching school, following that profession for ten 
years in Union and Champaign counties. For two years he was a teacher 
in the Milford Center high school and assistant principal at that place. 
In his educational work he displayed marked zeal and his own interest 
was an inspiration to his pupils, hi 1894 he pursued a course in 
pharmacy in Ada, Ohio, and afterward engaged in clerking in a drug 
store at Milford Center, where he worked for about two years. In 
1 81 > 1 he came to Mechanicsburg. where he engaged in the grocery busi- 
ness 111 partnership with J. K. Whittemore, there remaining three years. 
On the expiration of that period they dissolved partnership and Mr. 
Neer turned his attention to the creamery business in connection with 
D. McCreery & Son, who are now located in Crbana. He was associ- 
ated with them while the}- were at Milford Center for a period of about 
one year and in 1898 embarked in the creamery business at Mechanics- 
burg. his enterprise being known as the Mechanicsburg Creamery. His 
plant o st about three thousand dollars and is one of the best in the 
state for the purpose. The capacity is about seven hundred pounds of 
butter per day and the product is of such excellent quality that it rinds 
a ready sale on the market. 

In 1886 Mr. Neer was united in marriage to Miss Sallie Wilson, 
a daughter of William and Minerva Wilson. Her father served for 
four and one-half years in the war of the Rebellion and died soon after 
his return from the army. In his family were four children, two sons 
and two daughters, of whom Mrs. Neer was the eldest. She was born 
in Milford Center. Union county, and is a graduate of the high school 



364 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

of Mechanicsburg. For two years she engaged in teaching in Goshen 
township. Champaign county, and is a lady of culture and refinement. 
The marriage of our subject and his wife has been blessed with two 
children: Lois E., and Reed B. 

Air. Neer exercises his right of franchise in support of the men 
and measures of the Republican party. He is president of the school 
board of Mechanicsburg and has always taken an active interest in ed- 
ucational matters, exercising his franchise prerogatives in support of all 
movements and measures that he believes will promote the intellectual 
advancement of his community. Socially he is identified with the 
Knight of Pythias order and has tilled all of the chairs therein. He is 
a member of the Methodist Protestant church and is well known in busi- 
ness circles as a man' of responsibility and energy, who has placed de- 
pendence not upon fortunate circumstances, but upon unremitting labor 
and sound judgment. 



ELIJAH HANNA. 



For many years Elijah Hanna was a prominent figure in the annals 
of Champaign county, and aided materially in its development. Llv a life 
of uprightness, industry and honorable dealing, — a life devoted to the 
support of whatever was good and true, — he won the admiration and 
genuine regard of a large circle of acquaintances, who sincerel) mourned 
his loss when he was called upon to lay aside the burdens, joys and sor- 
rows which had fallen to his share, as to a ll, in the journey of life. 

.Mr. Hanna was horn on the ;th of May, 1824, in Nicholas county, 
West Virginia, of which Iocalit) his parents. Nathan and Alice 1 Mc< 
Hanna. were also natives. The father was a farmer by occupation and' 
both he and his wife died in the Male of their birth. Their son Elijah, who. 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 365 

was the youngest son of their twelve children, six sons and six daugh- 
ters, came to Champaign county, Ohio, in [844, when about twenty 
years 01 age, and as he was without means began his career in this state 
as a farm laborer. He subsequently located on the farm on which his 
widow now resides, purchasing the same from his father-in-law. Mr. 
Hanna was first married to Emily J. Haller. a daughter of William 
Haller, and of their three children, only one, William, who makes his 
home in [owa, is now living-. Mrs. Hanna passed to the home beyond on 
the 3d of July, 18O0. For his second wife our subject chose Miss Mary 
Arrowsmith, who was born in Concord township. Champaign county, 
December 15, 1834. Her father. Mason Arrowsmith. was bom in Mad 
River township, this county, January 16, 1806, on the farm on which 
Mrs. Hanna now resides, and was there reared to mature years, receiv- 
ing his education in the primitive log school house of the neighborhood. 
In the township of his birth he was married to Miss Margaret Rock, 
wh.. was born in Concord township in 1819, a daughter of Felix and 
Mary (Kelley) Rock, early pioneers of Champaign county. The pa- 
ternal grandfather of Mrs. Hanna, Ezekiel Arrowsmith, was burn in 
Maryland, but subsequently boated in Mason county, Kentucky, where 
he was married to Elizabeth Kenton. In 180 1 they came to Champaign 
county, Ohio, locating on the farm on which Mrs. Hanna now resides, 
but at that time it was an unbroken forest. He erected one of the first 
cabins and was one of the first settlers in Champaign county, at that 
time there being no other white settlers nearer than Sandusky or Toledo 
on the north. Mr. and Mrs. Mason Arrowsmith became the parents oi 
seven children, four still living,— Mary, Holly, George and Margaret. 
The last named is the wife of Aten Allen, of Eos Angeles, California. 
The father of this family was first a Whig and later a Republican in 
his political views, and the mother was a member of the Methodist 
church. 



19 



366 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

Mrs. Hanna, the eldest daughter and second child in the above fam- 
ily, was educated in the district schools of Mad River township, the 
school house having been located on the dividing line between that and 
Concord townships. On the 25th of March, 1862, she gave her hand 
in marriage to Elijah Hanna, and they became the parents of four 
children, — Charles S.. Frank M.. Edgar B. and Laura L. The first 
born is now deceased, and the three surviving ones are still at home. 
With her children Mrs. Hanna resides on a line farm of two hundred 
acres, the work of which is carried on by her sons. She is a member 
of the Methodist Episcopal church, and of that denomination her hus- 
band was also a worthy and valued member. In that faith he passed to 
In- final reward on the 23rd of September, 1901. He was a kind and 
loving husband and father, sympathetic and responsive to the needs of 
the poor and just and noble in all the relations of life. 



ABRAHAM P. LOUDENBACK. 

\"<i citizen of Mad River township, Champaign county, is more 
widely known or highly regarded than Abraham P. Loudenback. Of 
a sterling pioneer family, of sturdy German ancestry, he and his rela- 
tives have been prominent in the development and maintenance of this 
county, always being safely counted upon to indorse and support to the 
extent of their ability every gi od work, movemenl and enterprise. 

Mr. Loudenback is a native of Mad River township, his birth hav- 
ing here occurred on the 9th of November, 1845. His grandfather, 
Daniel Loudenback, was a native of Virginia, and both the latter's pa- 
ternal and maternal grandparents came to this country from Germany, 
taking up their abode in the Old Dominion. In a very early day Daniel 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 367 

Loudenback came to Champaign county, Ohio, locating in the dense 
woods of Mad River township. He was a fanner and blacksmith by 

occupation and became one of the most prominent citizens of his lo- 
cality. His life's labors were ended in death when he reached the age 
of eighty-nine years and seven months, passing away in the faith oi 
the Baptist church, of which he was long a worthy and consistent mem- 
ber, having assisted in the organization of the church in Mad River town- 
ship. During the war of 1812 he entered the ranks as a private and 
nobly served his country until the close of the struggle. Allen Louden- 
back, the father of our subject, was also a native son of Mad River 
township, and here he spent his entire life, his death having occurred 
at the age of sixty-nine years. Throughout his entire life he was prom- 
inently identified with the growth and development of the locality, and 
was a farmer, miller and merchant by occupation. His political sup- 
port was given to the Democracy, and for a number of years he served 
as trustee of his township, and religiously he, too, was an active and 
valued member .if the Baptist church, his membership being with the 
denomination at Xettle Creek. As a companion on the journey of life 
he chose Elizabeth Keplinger, a native of Clark county. Ohio, and a 
daughter of Daniel Keplinger, who claimed Virginia as the state of 
hi- nativity, but was numbered among the early pioneers of Clark county. 
lie was also of German descent, and a- a means of livelihood followed 
the tilling of the soil. Mrs. Loudenback was called to her final rest a1 
the age of sixty years. Unto this worthy couple were born ten chil- 
dren, six sons and four daughters, of whom our subject was the third 
son in order of birth. 

Abraham P. Loudenback passed his boyhood days on hi- father's 
farm, and his early education was such as the district schools afforded. 
After his marriage he locate. 1 on the farm where he still resides, his 
place consisting of one hundred and sixty acres of well improved land, 



368 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

where he is engaged in general farming and stock-raising, and has made 
a specialty of the latter industry. Numerous and substantial improve- 
ments have been instituted by the progressive owner, and by honest in- 
dustry and careful management he lias succeeded in winning a hand- 
some competence for his declining years. A lifelong Democrat, he has 
ever given an active and intelligent support to the principles of that 
party, and for a number of years efficiently filled the office of school 
director. 

The marriage of -Mr. Loudenback was celebrated in 1867, when 
Miss Sarah Chaple became his wife. She i> a native of England, as 
were also her parents. William and Elizabeth Chaple. When she was 
but a year and a half old she was brought by her parents to America, 
the family locating in Boston, Massachusetts, where she remained until 
six years of age, and was then brought to Urbana. Her father v 
carpenter and cabinet-maker by occupation. Mr. and Mrs. Louden- 
back have four sons, — Arthur. Royal, Clifford and Paul, all at home. 
Mr. Loudenback is a member of the Baptist church of Urbana, and is 
active and enthusiastic in church work, lie is loyal in his support of all 
measures calculated to benefit the community or the general public, and 
in the locality where his entire life he is honored and re- 

spected by all. 



-0 n 1 1 M. SNODGR VSS. 

From out a childhood heavy with responsibility, and brightened by 
of the helpful and encouraging smiles of fortune, Morton M. Snod- 
if the well known grocers of Mechanicsburg, ! . n] a 

iy business and go< d name and gained a fail 1 1 nee. In this 

1, which cl m as an honored citizen. In is bom [une 23, 1861 






'Z~Z*-<£/ 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 371 

and the Civil war then thundering at the gates of peace brought desola- 
tii 'ii and loss into the humble home where there were tour other sons and 
two daughters. The father, Henry Milton Snodgrass, left his native 
state of Virginia when a young man, and after settling in Champaign 
countv married. Amanda Shepherd, a native of this section and daughter 
of Joshua Shepherd, one of the early pioneers of Champaign county. 
The elder Snodgrass was a blacksmith by trade, and with his country's 
need of strong men exchanged his musical anvil for the deadly armament 
of war. As a soldier in Company I, Sixty-sixth Ohio Volunteer In- 
fantrv. he served until the memorable battle of Lookout Mountain, from 
which field of carnage he was conveyed wounded to a hospital in Phila- 
delphia, where his death occurred in 1863. He was brought home for 
burial, and almost immediately want and deprivation settled over the 
hitherto happy hi >me. 

With the other children in the family Morton M. Snodgrass was in- 
troduced to labor as soon as his growing strength permitted, and his op- 
portunities for acquiring an education were hampered by the necessity 
of providing his share towards the family maintenance. Nevertheless, 
in his environment of work he gained much that the schools cannot give, 
and at the age of fourteen had a fund of common sense of invaluable use 
in his capacity as an employe in a hardware establishment in Mechanics- 
burg. At the end of six years he resolved to try his luck in Wisconsin, 
where he remained for three years as a clerk for a large lumbering con- 
cern. Upon returning to this town he embarked in a small way in the 
grocery business, and his honest methods and fair treatment of the pub- 
lic have won a deserved patronage. His experience in his chosen occu- 
pation was acquired first as a clerk, and during the four years in this 
positii m he learned the business from the bottom up. 

In 1883 Mr. Snodgrass married Anna Williams, and of this unii n 
there has been a son and daughter, the latter of whom is desceased. Mr. 



372 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

Snodgrass is a Republican in political affiliation, but bas so devotedly at- 
tended to business that no thought of political honors have entered into 
his calculations. Fraternally lie is associated with the Royal Arch 
Masons and with the Knights of Pythias. He is also a stockholder and 
director in the Central Bank. In April, 10,02, he was elected president of 
the hoard of education after having served for three years as a member 
of the hoard. 



SAMUEL M. MOSGROVE, M. D. 

As a successful practitioner Dr. Samuel M. Mosgrove has gained 
advancement in the prosecution of his chosen profession and has a 
large clientage, which is an indication of his superior skill and ability. 
He was born in Urbana, Ohio. August 4, 1851, his parents being John 
A. and Elizabeth (Miller) Mosgrove, who were also natives of Urbana, 
the father's birth having occurred here in 1818. He was a son of Adam 
.Mosgrove. a pioneer physician of the city and thus through many years 
the family has been closely associated with this line of business, contrib- 
uting to the general welfare. The father of our subject was a com- 
mission merchant, carrying on business here for a long period and in 
his undertakings he prospered, owing to his keen sagacity, marked en- 
terprise and unflagging industry. He bought and handled grain on an 
extensive scale and also dealt largely in wool, becoming widely known 
as a prosperous and enterprising business man. 1 1 i ^ political support 
was given the Republican party, but he never sought the rewards of 
office in recogniton of party fealty. Prior to his marriage he spent sev- 
eral years in Illinois, Michigan and other western states, where he pur- 
chased cattle, driving them east to the Pittsburg markets. Ili^ business 
reputation was unassailable and it was known that his integrity made 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 373 

his word as good as any bond that was ever solemnized by signature 
or seal. He wedded Elizabeth Miller, who was born in Urbana, July 
30. 1825, and is still residing in this city, having here made her home 
„. J only through her entire married lite, but also since her husband's 
death, which occurred in 1888. She was a daughter of Samuel Miller, 
a pioneer merchant of Urbana. and a most successful business man. He 
died, however, at a comparatively early age of about forty-seven. By 
her marriage Mrs. Mosgrove became the mother of six children, but 
three of the number died in childhood. Those still living are Mrs. 
Fannie Bacon, of Indianapolis ; Samuel M.; and Emma, who reside, with 

her mother. 

The Doctor was educated in the public schools and in the Sweden- 
borgian College in Urbana and with a broad literary knowledge to serve 
a. the foundation upon which to rear the superstructure of professional 
learning, he took up the study of medicine when eighteen years of age 
under the direction of Dr. James M. Mosgrove, his uncle, a practicing 
physician of Urbana. Later he entered the Miami Medical College c,f 
Cincinnati, in which he was graduated with the class of 1872 and after 
practicing for a few months in Urbana, he matriculated in the Bellevue 
Hospital Medical College, of New York City, where he was graduated 
in 1873. Since then he has been actively connected with the profession 
here. He is a member of the Ohio State Medical Society and the Na- 
tional American Medical Association. He has strict regard f< .r the ethics 
of his profession and anything that tends to bring to mind the key to 
that complex mystery which we call life elicits the deep interest and co- 
operation of Dr. Mosgrove. 

In his political views the Doctor is a Republican and has been hon- 
ored with public offices, serving as health officer, also as county coroner 
for three terms, while for eight years he was a member of the pension 
board. Still higher 1 tfncial honors awaited him, for in [893 he was elected 



374 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

to the state senate, where he served for one term, representing Cham- 
paign, Clark and Madison counties. He is the auth< c of Mosgrove's Medi- 
cal Bill, requiring the registration of physicians. Socially he is a Ma 
and he also belongs to Mosgrove Lodge, I. O. O. F., which was named 
in honor of his father. He served as surgeon of the Seventh Regiment. 
Ohio National Guards, and holds membership in the Episcopal church. 
In the year 1891 the Doctor was united in marriage to Miss Nannie 
Fisher, of Cincinnati, and they have two children. Louise and John. 
The Doctor is not so abnormally developed in any direction as to be 
called a genius, but has manifested deep interest in the various depart- 
ments of activity, which go to make up the sum of life. He is devoted 
to his family and friends and is a valued factor in fraternal circles. His 
political activity has reflected honor upon the party of his choice ami in 
hi- profession he has won distinction. Honored and respected in every 
class of society he has for some time been a leader in thought and action 
on the public life of comity and state and his career adds lustre to the 
history of this portion of Ohio. 



ROBERT SANDERS. 

It is with satisfaction that the biographer adverts to the life history 

of one who has attained the maximum of success in any vocation to 
which he has directed his thought and effort, whether it be one of calm 
but consecutive endeavor or of meteoric accomplishment, and such a life 
must ever offer both lesson and incentive. The subject of this review- 
is a native of that fair land of hills and heather, bonnie Scotland, and 
that in his character abide those sterling traits which mark the individ- 
uality of the Scottish type is manifest when we come to consider the 







Uu4^ J^t^yrf 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 577 

mure salient points in his life history, which has been one marked by 
constant application, invincible spirit, sturdy loyalty and unwavering 
honor, — attributes which have most naturally eventuated in securing to 
him a high place in the respect and esteem of bis fellow men and in 
the attainment of a definite and worthy success in connection with 
the practical activities of life. He is known as one of the representative 
citizens and business men of the progressive city of Urbana, Champaign 
count v, where he has maintained bis home for nearly half a century and 
where be has been consecutively identified with an industrial enterprise 
of no secondary scope and importance. He has achieved success through 
his own efforts, and now, as the shadows of his life begin to lengthen, 
he re<ts secure in the confidence and good will of those who know him 
and in the tangible rewards of honest toil and endeavor protracted over 
the course of many years. 

Ah'. Sanders is a native of Linlithgow, Scotland, where he was 
born on the 24th of January, 1826, being the son of Robert and Eliza- 
beth (Forgie) Sanders, who passed their entire lives in Scotland. There 
the father of our subject followed the vocation of a glue manufacturer, 
and this fact had unmistakable influence in shaping the future career 
of his son and namesake, who learned the business in all its details, 
becoming identified with the same when but twelve years of age, so 
that it ma}- be inferred that his early educational advantages were some- 
what limited in scope. 

In 1S49, at the age of twenty-three years. Mr. Sanders severed 
the ties which bound him to home and native land, and valiantly set 
forth to seek his fortunes in America. He first located in Chillicothe, 
Ohio, where he remained two years, having there built and supervised 
the operation of a glue factory, which was owned by Alexander Fraser. 
Thence he proceeded to the city of Columbus, where he was identified 
with the same line of enterprise about one and one-half years, and in 



378 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

1853 he came to Urbana, which lias since been his home and the field 
of his honorable and successful business operations. Here he became 
associated with Messrs. Moore and Mosgrove in the establishing' of a 
glue factory, the three being thus concerned in the enterprise for a 
period of two years, at the expiration of which our subject became the 
sole proprietor, and thereafter continued the business until 1900, when 
lie ceased the manufacture of glue, but continued the production of 
soap, which had been made an important adjunct of the enterprise a 
score of years ago. The present factory, which is finely equipped was 
erected in 1S84, and here Mr. Sanders continues to give his personal 
attention to the business, through the medium of which he has attained 
a competency, while the undertaking has been of signal benefit in con- 
nection with the industrial activities of the city. The enterprise had a 
modest inception, but correct methods of business and careful manage- 
ment have brought in their train a consecutive growth, and the attend- 
ing results have been most gratifying from every standpoint. In 1885 
.Mr. Sanders completed the erection of his handsome brick residence in 
College Way, the same being one of the most attractive homes in 
the C't) . 

In his political allegiance Mi". Sander-- is arrayed with the Repub- 
lican party, but has never had time or inclination to enter the domain of 
public life in any official capacity. More than half a century ago. on 
the 26th of February, [850, while still a resident of Scotland. Mr. 
Sanders became a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, 
and he stili retains his vital interest in the affairs of this fraternity, 
being an honored member of Urbana Lodge. No. 46, in Urbana. 

Mr. Sanders has been twice married. In [853 Maria Andover 
became bis wife, she having been born in America, of Scotch ancestry, 
and her death occurred in 1869, there having been no issue of this 
union. In 1871 Mr. Sanders was united in marriage to Miss Christina 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 379 

McDonald, who was born in Scotland, whence she accompanied her par- 
ents on their emigration to America, the family locating in Chillicothe, 
Ohio. Our subject and his wife are both devoted members of the 
Presbyterian church, taking an active interest in its work. To them 
were born two daughters: Jessie, who died in infancy; and Olive May. 
who is the wife of Charles Ernest Afield, of Chicago. 



JOSEPH K. MAST. 



From pioneer times down to the present. Joseph K. Mast has been 
a witness of the growth and improvement of his county, and has taken 
an active interest in everything pertaining to its welfare. He now re- 
sides in section 14. Salem township, and his birth occurred in a log 
cabin upon this farm on the 30th of March. 1834, his parents being 
John and Elizabeth (Trago) Mast, both of whom were natives of Penn- 
sylvania. The paternal grandfather, Jacob Mast, was born in Switzer- 
land and when a young man crossed the briny deep to the new world, 
taking up his abode in the Keystone state, where he followed the occu- 
pation of farming. John Mast, the father of our subject, was born in 
Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and after arriving at years of ma- 
turity was married there in 1832 to Miss Elizabeth Brook, whose birth 
also occurred in that state and who was of Pennsylvania German line- 
age. They came to Champaign county and upon a farm in Salem town- 
ship Mr. Mast took up his abode. The land was then largely wild and 
unimproved, but by resolute purpose and determined will, together with 
unfaltering industry, he soon transformed his farm into a rich and 
arable tract. His political support was given the Whig party until the 

mization of the new Republican party, when he joined its ranks and 



3§o CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

continued one of its supporters until his death. For many years he 
served as a member of the school board and the cause of education found 
in him a warm friend. He was also a helpful and consistent member 
of the Methodist Episcopal church, doing all in his power to promote 
its growth and upbuilding and also working earnestly in the Sunday- 
school. He died in Salem township in the seventy-sixth year of his 
age. In his family were eight children, five sons and three daughters, 
all of whom reached mature years, while five are still living. Mr. Mast 
of this review being the third son and sixth child in order of birth. 

No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine ol 
farm life for Mr. Mast in his youth. lie was reared upon the old farm 
where he yet resides and at the usual age entered the district schools, 
where he mastered the common branches i f learning, while later he 
spent two terms as a student in Delaware. Since old enough to handle 
the plow he began work in the fields and assisted in the work of the 
farm until his marriage, becoming familiar with all the labors which 
constitute agricultural life. He was married in November, 1856, the 
lady of his choice being Katherine Eichholtz, a native of Pennsylvania, 
whence she came to Champaign county during her early girlhood in com- 
pany with her parents. Her death occurred in [883. They were the 
parents of eight children. John, now deceased; Charlie, who married 
Mary Swisher; Frank, who married Malinda fnstine; Emma, the wife 
of John Strasser; Elizabeth, the wife of Clark Mcleterff; Altha, at 
home; Clara, a teacher in the high school of Urbana; ( icero, at home; 
and Iva, who is pursuing her education in Delaware. 

At the time of his marriage Mr. Mast located upon the 1 Id home 
farm where he still resides. He has made excellent improvements upon 
the place, including the erection of his present large brick residence, 
which was built in 1877. He n " w owns one hundred acres of land and 
at one time was the owner of three hundred and fifty acres, hut has to 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 381 

some extent retired from business, and now rents his land. He has 
also carried on agricultural pursuits and owns an interest in the agri- 
cultural implement business in Springfield, Ohio. His trade relations 
have ever been characterized by strict integrity and fair dealing. He is 
a member of the Grace Methodist church, is serving as one of its trus- 
tees and is deeply interested in all measures that tend to uplift mankind 
and to develop upright character. He votes with the Prohibition party, 
having always been a strong temperance man. His entire life has been 
passed in Salem township and those who have known him from boy- 
hood know that his career has been an upright and honorable one and 
worth}' of the highest regard. 



G. R. RISER. 



G. R. Riser was born in Shelby county, Ohio, December 10. [829. 
His lather, Nicholas Riser, was a native of Tennessee and was there 
reared and educated. After his marriage he located in Shelby county, 
where he followed the blacksmith's trade. He was a lifelong Democrat, 
earnest and unflinching in his advocacy of the principles of that party. 
lie .lied in the sixty-fourth year of his age. His wife. Margaret Riser, 
was a native of Pennsylvania, and with her parents removed t 1 Clark 

ty, Ohio. She died in her eightieth year. Her father, John_Kiser, 
was a native of the Keystone state and was one of the pioneer settlers 
of Clark county, Ohio. Unto the parents of our subject were bom 
thirteen children, eight sons and five daughters, all of whom reached 
years of maturity but one, while ten of the number were marr-ied. 

(i R. Kiser was the seventh child and fourth son and in Shelby 
rountv was reared until sixtei - of age. when he started out to 



382 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

make his own way in the world. He had a poor suit of clothes and a 
dollar and a halt in money. He worked about a month as a farm hand, 
receiving eight dollars for his first month's wages and nine dollars pet- 
month throughout the remainder of the summer. He afterward oper- 
ated a sawmill for several years in the employ of others and was thus 
engaged until about twenty-two years of age, when, with the capital he 
bad. acquired through his own labors, he bought a steam sawmill, con- 
ducting it until 1864. He was in Adams township. Champaign county, 
buying, selling and shipping stock. In 1855 he shipped the first hogs 
to Xew York ever sent from Saint Paris and was the first shipper to 
transport his stock on a railroad. In all his business undertakings he 
prospered, owing to his carefully directed efforts and unfaltering in- 
dustry. In 1800 he removed to Saint Paris, where he remained for 
nine years, and in 1875 again took up his abode upon a farm, near 
Millerstown. Once more, however, he came to Saint Paris in the spring 
of 1886, and is now living a retired life, having in the meantime ac- 
quired a handsome competence. As his financial resources increased 
he has made judicious investments in real estate and now has about 
twelve hundred acres of land, two hundred of which lie in Shelby county. 
Mis property is divided into seven farms and all has been accumulated 
through his own efforts. 

In December. 1S50. Air. Kiser was united in marriage to Margaret 
\h \ ay, who was born in Butler county, Ohio, a daughter of William 
and Susan (Stockton) McVay. The former was a native of Pennsyl- 
vania and the latter of Xew York. In their family were eight chil- 
dren, three sons and five daughters. Mrs. Kiser being the sixth child 
and third daughter. She was reared in Shelby county, going there with 
her parents during her early girlhood. I',y her marriage she has be- 
come 'he mother of two children: John William and Mary Belle, who 
are twins. John W.. who went to Chicago in [889, has been a leading 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 3«3 

business man there since that time. He was first in the sewing machine 
business, then in the bicycle business and is now a member of the Phenix 
Horseshoe Company. He has made a fortune in Chicago. He mar- 
ried Theresa W. Furrow, and they have had two children: Riley C. 
and John F.. who was accidentally killed April 29, [902. .Mr. Kiser has 
been a member of the city council for two terms. He has justly won 
the proud American title of self-made man and as the architect oi his 
own fortunes has budded wisely and well. Starting out in life at the 
age of sixteen years be has depended entirely upon bis own resources 
and bis efforts have been directed along the lines of labor leading to 
prosperity. 



DR. A. B. PEARCE. 

Dr. A. B. Pearce, whose success as a medical practitioner is indi- 
cated by his large patronage, resides in section 15. Salem township, 
Champaign county. He was born in Goshen township, of this county, on 
the 8th of October, 1836. His father, Harvey C. Pearce, was the first 
white child born in Urbana, his natal day being January 20, 1805. His 
father was Thomas Pearce. a native of Vlirginia, who came to Cham- 
paign county in pioneer days and aided in the early development and 
progress of the county. He owned a section of land adjoining Urbana, 
securing his farm from the government. His labors resulted in reclaim- 
ing the land for the purpose of civilization. As the years passed his 
fields became very productive. He lived to be more than eighty years 
of age. His son, Harvey C. Pearce, was reared in this county, pursu- 
ing his education in a log school house, such as were common at that 
day. After arriving at years of maturity he married Beulah Barrette, 
who was born in Union township. Champaign county, in 1807, ami was 



384 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

there reared. Her father, Abner Barrette, was burn in Kentucky and 
came to this county at a very early period in its development. After 
their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Pearce located in Union township, where 
they remained until about 1863. The father died in his eighty-seventh 
year ami the mother passed away in her seventy-sixth year. In their 
family were seven children, six sons and 1 me daughter, as follows: II. 
C. vhii is a practicing physician of Urbana; 1.. E., vim was also a 
member of the medical fraternity and died in Onarga, Illinois; A. B., 
of this review; John \\'., a business man of Chicago, Illinois; Richard S., 
of Urbana; Mary E., now deceased; and one who died in infancy. 

Dr. Pearce of this review is the third child and was reared in Union 
township, his early education being acquired in the district schools near 
his home. Later he attended the Urbana high school, in which he was 
graduated when about twenty-two years of age. He afterward engaged 
in teaching school for four years and during the summer month- > : i voted 
his time to the mastery of the principles of medical science, lie then 
entered the Starling Medical College at Columbus, and was graduated 
in 1S63, locating for practice at Kings Creek, where he remained for 
fourteen years. He was also engaged in practice fur six years in Ur- 
bana, and spent a similar period in Vincennes, Indiana, whence he came 
lo his present home in Salem township in 1 89 r . Here In- has I 

continuously since and his attention is given to his professional duties, 
which make heavy demands upon his time. 

On the 17th of September, 1867, Dr. Pearce was united in marriage 
diss Ella Sheperd, a native of Montgomer) county, Ohio, whence 
she removed to Clark county. Pier parents, Jacob and Elizabeth 
(Grimes) Sheperd. had a family of four daughters: Erne I . the wife 
of M. S. Seaton, of Salem township; Minnie M., tin Rufus 

Detwiller, of Urbana; Mattie 1... who is engaged in teaching in Nine- 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 3§5 

ceheltcer; and Jessie, who is also a teacher. They also lost • >ne son, who 
died in infancy. 

Dr. Pearce is a member of the Champaign County Medical Society 
and alwavs keeps abreast with the progress of the times, especially along 

the line of his profession. Fraternally he is a Mason, belonging to 
Kings Creek Lodge, and is also identified with VV. A. Brand Post, G. 
A. K.. of Urbana, being entitled to membership therein because of Ins 
military service in the Civil war. In May. 1864, he enlisted for one 
hundred days, entering the army as a private, but being made surgeon 
of his regiment. In politics he is a stanch Republican, unswerving in 
his allegiance to the party and its principles and in religious faith is a 
Methodist, serving as trustee of the church to which he belongs and in 
the work of which he takes an active part. He is a valued representa- 
tive of an honored pioneer family of Champaign county, which through 
an entire century has been represented in this portion of the state, its 
members taking a very active and creditable part in the work of im- 
provement, progress and upbuilding. 



WILLIAM M. GEHMAN. 

The life record of William M. Gehinan is deserving of a promi- 
nent place in the history of Champaign county. He has represented 
his county in the state legislature, has been actively connected with 
educational interests and is also known as a progressive farmer. His 
connection with all these important departments of life has made him 
a valued citizen and at all times he has commanded uniform o nfidence 
and. respect by his loyalty to public duty and his liberality in all life's 

relations, lie resides in section 10. Salem township, and it was upon 
20 



386 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

this farm that lie was born, < Ictober 22, 1852. His father, B. W. Geh- 
nian was a native of Pennsylvania, while the grandfather, Benjamin 
Gelnnan, was born in Hanover, Germany, where he spent the days of 
his boyhood and youth, coming to America when a young man. He 
then located near Reading, Pennsylvania, where he followed the occu- 
pation of tanning. He lived to the advanced age of ninety-two years, 
while his wife reached the extreme old age of ninety-three. Among 
their children was B. W. Gehman, who was reared in the Keystone state 
and in 1837 journeyed on horseback from Pennsylvania to Iowa. lit 
the latter state he purchased the tract of land upon which the city of 
Des Moines now stands, buying it from the Indians. lie then returned 
by the same method of travel to Pennsylvania and was there married. 
It was his intention to take up his abode upon his Iowa land and with 
his bride he started for the Mississippi valley, but on reaching Cham- 
paign county his wife became ill. They resolved to spend the winter 
there and during that period Mr. Gehman was persuaded to buy the 
old Walker homestead, the place upon which our subject now resides. 
Accordingly he gave up his anticipated western trip and the land event- 
ually returned to the Indians or to the government. Throughout his re- 
maining days the father resided upon the farm which is mm the home 
of 1 ur subject and there lived until called to bis final rest at the age of 
sixty-three. He was a prominent Methodist and served as a local 
preacher, taking an active part in religious work in many ways. I lis 
lite was -o upright and honorable that his example was well worthy of 
emulation and his memory remains as a blessed benediction to all who 
knew him. In politics he was a Republican from the organization of the 
party and prior to that time gave his supporl to the Whig party, lie 
married Elizabeth Morris, a native of Reading, Pennsylvania, and a 
daughter of William Morris, a merchant of that city. Her father re- 
ed to Morgantown, Pennsylvania, and was then' engaged in mer- 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 387 

cantile pursuits for some time. He was of English descent. Mr. Geh- 
man died in the sixty-third year of his age. while his wife passed away 
in her sixty-sixth year. They were the parents of four children, two 
sons ami two daughters, all of whom reached adult age, namely: Ella 
M., a resident of Kansas: Anna M., now deceased; Benjamin F.-. a stock 
farmer of Hutchinson, Kansas: and William M. 

Mr. Gehman, of this review, is the youngest of the family, and 
was reared upon the home farm where he now resides, attending the 
district schools in his youth and later supplementing his early educa- 
tional privileges by study in the academy at Lancaster, Ohio, and in 
the State University at Columbus. He was also a student in the high 
school at Urbana at one time and afterward engaged in teaching school 
in order to earn the money for his more advanced education. This was 
indicative of the elemental strength of his character and gave promise 
that the future has fulfilled. He remained in the university for about 
three years and after leaving that institution engaged in teaching school 
for more than eleven years proving a most capable educator, imparting 
clearly and concisely to others the knowledge he had acquired. In 1880, 
however, he gave up school work and turned his attention to farming 
upon the old homestead where he is now living. 

On the 26th of October, 1882. Mr. Gehman led to the marriage 
altar Miss Hattie E. Chance, a native of Union township, Champaign 
county, and a daughter of William and Henrietta (Jones) Chance. Mrs. 
Gehman was engaged in teaching school for some years in Urbana un- 
der the superintendence of Professor A. C. Duel, one of the leading 
educators of Ohio. Mrs. Gehman attended Professor Duel's schools 
and afterward engaged in teaching under him. She was also a student 
in the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware. By her marriage she 
has become the mother of four children: Morris. Walter. Ruth and 
Ralph. 



388 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

Since age gave to him the right of franchise Mr. Gehman ha? been 
a stalwart Republican and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his fitness 
for leadership and his patriotic allegiance to the county, elected him 
as their representative in the state legislature in 1805. He served for 
cue term, filling the position most acceptably. To every question which 
came up fur >ettlement he gave his earnest consideration and left the 
impress of his individuality upon the legislation enacted during his term. 
He ha? also heen trustee of Salem township for several vears and has 
been president of the Kings Creek Farmers' Institute, which was or- 
ganized, in [892. lie assisted in its organization and filled the position 
of presiding officer for six years. He has always heen on the side of 
improvement, reform and progress and ha- heen especially helpful in 
political, educational and church circles. He belongs to the Methodist 
Episcopal church of Kings Creek; is an active worker in the church and 
Sunday-self 1 1 and his wife is also a worthy helper in the latter. Mr. 
( iehman is a man of more than ordinary ability, is a gentleman of schol- 
arly attainments and broad general knowledge and is well fitted for 
leadership, honored and respected by all, has much influence over public 
thi ught and feeling and is most untiring in hi- effort- in behalf of the 
general public. 



.1' IHN C S( h\ V 



Mechanicsburg is fortunate in the possession of citizens who are 
themselves not only creditable acquisitions to their respective financial, 
professional, industrial or commercial environment, but who have the 
added incentive of nativity, and are stimulated to precedents established 
by pioneer fathers who. with splendid zeal, worked out their destinies 
in the self-same surroundings. Such a one is John t '. Sceva, president 
01 the Farmers' '".auk, and born in this city November 21, 1838. 




JOHN C SCEYA. 



CEXTEXXIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 591 

His parents. Nathaniel and Rosalin (Woodard) Sceva, were born 
near New London, New Hampshire, the latter being a daughter " : 
fames and Dollie (Dale) Woodard. After the marriage of the parents 
the} determined to seek the supposed larger opportunities in Ohio. and. 
accompanied by the Woodards, settled on a farm in Goshen township, 
Champaign county, where the latter lived for a few years, but passed 
their last days in Mechanicsburg. Nathaniel Sceva was a carpenter 
by trade, and was thus employed up to his fortieth year, thereafter 
turning his attention in various directions. 1 fe possessed marked execu- 
tive ability, and was a man of progressive thought and action. As 
a Stanch upholder of Democratic principles he left his impress upon 
several political offices, among them that of county commissioner, which 
he held for one term. During the presidential administration of Bu- 
chanan he served as postmaster of this city. He died in 1872, at the 
age of sixty-two years, and was survived by his wife until 1896, at 
the age of a little over eight}-. Both were members of the Baptist 
church, and they were the parents of several children. One of the sons, 
Benjamin F., was a graduate of Union College, and served for four 
years in the Civil war as a soldier in the Tenth New York Cavalry, 
rising from the rank of private to that of colonel of his regiment. 
Alter the war he engaged in the practice of law in Washington, D. C. 
in which city he died in 1S76. John C. is the second child in his father's 
family; James H. is a farmer of Madison count}-, Ohio; Jennie is the 
witi- of Dr. A. !.. Sidner, of Mechanicsburg; Horace M. is a resident 
of Mechanicsburg and is engaged in dairy farming; and Lewis C. is a 
lawyer of this town. 

After completing his education in the public schools of Mechanics- 
burg John C. Sceva spent two years at the Ohio YYesleyan University 
at Delaware, Ohio. His first business experience was acquired .1- a 
clerk in his father's general store, and later in a dry-g Is store, after 



392 CEXTEXXIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

which a partnership was formed with his brother-in-law, C. W. Will- 
iams, in a dry-goods business, which was amicably continued from [865 
until [875. He was elected a director in the Fanners' Hank of Me- 
chanicsburg, which position lie held for some years. Mr. Sceva was 
made vice-president, and in iqoi succeeded to the presidency. Through 
his marriage, in [865, with Ella J. Williams, who died in 1894. two 
children were born: Anna, wife of F. M. Clements, of Mechanics- 
burg; and Hattie. wife of E. A. Roberts, of Cleveland, Ohio. In [899 
Mr. Sceva married Mrs. Lida S. Hinckle, nee Sanford. Politically 
a Democrat, he is yet liberal enough to vote for the best man, but it 
cannot be said that he has to any extent identified himself with general 
political matters. He was postmaster under Cleveland's first adminis- 
tration and held the office nearly five years. Since 1857 he has been 
a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is an offi 
and for eight years was superintendent of the Sunday-school. He 
was a member of the building committee of the church and ha- been 
treasurer ol the church a number of years. Mr. Sceva is one of the 
substantial men of the city, and for his pronounced business ability and 
many line personal attributes deserves and receives the appreciation of 
his community. 

« » » 

PHILIP L. STICKLEY. 

One of the representative farmers 1 i Mad River township is Mr. 
Stickley, whose fine homestead is located in section 18. He i- a native 
01 the Old Dominion state, having been horn in Shenandoah county, 
Virginia, on the 10th of October. 1844, being the son of foseph Stickley, 
who was born in the same county, to which his father emigrated from 
Germany, his native land. The maiden name of our subject's mother 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 393 

was Mary C. Setzer, who likewise was born in Shenandoah county, 
being erf Irish lineage. Joseph and Mary C. Stickley became the parents 
of three sons and five daughters, all of whom are living with the ex- 
ception of two of the daughters. Philip L., the subject of this sketch, 
is the eldest of the children; Anna is the wife of .Martin Lineburg; 
Cohn M. is a successful farmer (if Urbana township, this county; Josej h 
B. reddes near Pittsburg. Pennsylvania; Mollie is the wife of William 
Parker, of Virginia; Irena is the wife of Noah Minnch, oi Westville, 
this county; and the other one of the eight children died in childhood. 
Philip P. Stickley was reared in his native county up to the age 
of about eighteen years, when the outbreak of the Civil war occurred 
and he tendered his service- in support of the cause of the Confederacy. 
enlisting as a member of Chew'- battery, which was a part of Ashby's 
cavalry. He continued in active service until the close of the war. 
having participated in many of the most memorable battles, including 
the engagements at Antietam, Gettysburg, Richmond. Kernstown, New- 
market and the Wilderness. In the last mentioned battle he received 
a severe scalp wound from a piece of -hell, while previously he had 
been wounded in the left arm. He served for a time as a non-commis- 
sioned officer and was ever to be found at the post of duty, earnestly 
battling for the cause of the south. After the close of the war Mr. 
Stickley returned to his home in Virginia, where he devoted hi- time 
t such work as he could find to do. the support of bis parent- devolving 
upon him to a very large extent. In 1868 be came to Champaign o unty. 
Ohio, and here secured employment by the month on the farm oi S. P. 
Sowers, with whom he remained about nine month-, while he was 
similarly employed for the following three years by Daniel Pilose. After 
this a few months were passed in the employ of another fanner oi this 
locality, and then Mr. Stickley began agricultural operations on hi- own 
responsibility. He wa- married in the year 1873. and forthwith la 



394 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

on the farm which he now owns and which he has brought under the 
most effective cultivation, while he lias attained independence and 
marked success entirely through his own well directed efforts, so that 
he is to be considered as essentially a type of the self-made man, while 
he has so directed his course as to ever retain the confidence and esteem 
of those with whom be has come in contact in the various relation- oi 
life. Mr. Stickley has added to his original purchase as prosperity 
attended his efforts until he now has a fine landed estate of two hun- 
dred acres in the home place and a good farm of sixty-four acres in 
Madison count}'. In politics our subject has ever given a zealous allegi- 
ance to the Democratic party, and served two terms in the office of 
township treasurer, giving an able administration of the fiscal affairs 
of Mad River township. Fraternally be is a member of the lodge, chap- 
ter and commandery of the Masonic order at Urbana and of the Knights 
of Pythias at Westville. 

On the 25th of February, [873, Mr. Stickley was united in mar- 
riage to Miss Fannie Harr, the daughter of Newton H. Harr. one of 
the pioneers of this county. Of this union six children were born, 
namely: Ada V. (the wife of Elijah Stickle}). Edgar II.. Cara M.. 
Blair M.. Omer B. and Smith F. The devoted wile and mother was 
summoned into eternal rest on the 3d of August. [896, and on the 
30th hi August, [898, our subject was united in marriage to Mrs. 
Elizabeth (Huffman) Caldwell, the widow of Thomas B. Caldwell. 
She was born near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Samuel 
ami Margaret (Elkins) Huffman, who removed to Champaign county, 
< »i!ii. when ^be was a child, and here she was reared and educated. Her 
father was born in Philadelphia but eventually removed to South 
Charleston. Clark county, Ohio, where he conducted a successful dairy 
business. Our subject has an attractive home, and the family enjoj 
marked popularity in the community, where Mr. Stickley is held in the 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 395 

highest esteem by those who have witnessed his earnest endeavors 
which have been crowned with so high a degree of success. Mr. 
Stiddey is a member of Raper Commandery, No. 19, Knights Templar, 
and Westville Lodge, No. 433. Knights of Pythias. 



SAMUEL COW GILL. 

The family of which Samuel Cowgill is ; most honored representa- 
tive is a pioneer one in Salem township. Champaign county. He has 
taken a patriotic part in everything bearing upon the upbuilding and 
progress of the community, and has aided in many enterprises which 
have greatly benefited his county and state. A native son of the town- 
ship, his birth here occurred on the 1st of July. 183 1. and he is the 
eldest son of Henry and Anna Cowgill, whose history will be found on 
another page of this volume. When twenty-eight years of age their 
son Samue! left the home of bis birth and removed to Nemaha comity. 
Kansas, where he entered a section of land from the government, and 
there made his home until 1863. In i860 he returned to Ohio, and was 
here married to Caroline Burhngton, a native daughter of Champaign 
county, her father having located here some time in the '30s. Return- 
ing with his bride to his Kansas home, Mr. Cowgill there remained until 
just before the death of his wife, which occurred in 1863, when he 
again returned to the Buckeye state. In company with hi- sister, he 
now owns two hundred acres of rich ami productive land in Salem 
township, and has prospered in bis financial undertakings. As a citizen 
his course has been worthy of commendation, for he has given his means 
and influence to the maintenance of law. order and good government. 
Firm in his conviction that the principles of the Republican party have 



396 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

brought to this country its present wonderful prosperity, he is never 
absent from the polls and manfully strives to promote its welfare. For 
a period of six years he served as the trustee of Salem township, for 
twenty years was the efficient school director and has served as trustee 
lor several large estates. 

lii 1865 Mr. Cowgill was united in marriage to' Mary Linville, a 
native of Wayne township, Champaign county. He is a birth-right 
member of the Society of Friends and has always loved the church and 
labored for its growth and upbuilding. Mr. Cowgill is now and lias 
been for three years president of the Champaign and Logan County 
Pioneer Association, which was organized about thirty-five years asro. 



RANDOLPH PRITT. 

Randolph Tritt is now living retired in King's Creek, Salem town- 
ship, his rest coming as a reward of many years of faithful activity in 
agricultural circles. He was horn in Frederick county, Maryland, Janu- 
ary 20, 1829, and has therefore passed the seventy-third milestone on 
life's journey. The family is of German lineage and the parents of 
our subject spoke the German language. His father. Joseph Tritt, 
also born in Frederick county, Maryland, and there remained until after 
his marriage, when with his family he came to I )hio about [835. When 
thirty years had passed he left the Buckeye state and in [865 fc ok up 
his abode in Jasper county, Illinois, where he died at the age of seventy- 
four years. 1 [e was :m active and helpful member in the Baptist church, 
and the Republican party received his earnest political support, lie 
served as a trustee in Salem township and was also known in militan 
circles, serving as a major j n the war of [812. Throughout Champaign 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 397 

county he was known by the title of Major Tritt. By trade he was a 
carpenter and erected many buildings in Champaign county and also in 
Greene county. ' He located in the latter when he came to Ohio, but 
in [847 took up his abode in this county, which was his place oi resi- 
dence until his removal to Illinois in 1865, with the exception of a 
-hort period passed in Greene county. Ohio. He married Elizabeth 
Arnold, also a native of Maryland, and her death occurred in that state 
at the age of forty-one years. She was a daughter of Daniel Arnold, 
who was horn in Maryland or Pennsylvania and was of German lineage. 
Ji seph Tritt twice married and by the first union had fine sons and a 
daughter. After the death of his first wife he married Sarah Snyder 
tnd they became the parents of two sons and two daughters. 

Randolph Tritt was the fifth in order of birth in the first family, 
lie has but one surviving brother. Ezra, who resides in King's Creek. 
Randolph Tritt spent the years of his boyhood in the place of his nativ- 
ity until he attained the age of twelve, when he became a resident of 
Greene county, Ohio. When a youth of fifteen be began learning the 
carpenter's trade under the direction of his father and became quite 
expert. lie was thus employed until 1851, having in the meantime 
come to Champaign county with his father in 1847. They erected many 
residences in this county and in 1S47 built what is known as the Regular 
Baptist church in King's Creek. This edifice is still one of the old land- 
marks of the community and is used by the people of the same denomi- 
nation for which it was built. In the year 1K51 Mr. Tritt. of this re- 
view, went west to Illinois, where he became connected with the opera- 
tion of a sawmill, following that pursuit in Sangamon county. When 
two years had passed, however, he returned to Ohio and again took up 
his abode in Champaign count v. 

On the 3d .if October, S853, Mr. Tritt was joined in wedlock to 
Sarah Jane Stewart, a daughter of Archibald and Elizabeth 1 Mason) 



39» CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

Stewart. She was born in Salem township, where her parents located 
in pioneer days. Her father was a captain in the war of [812 and 
served as county commissioner for twelve years. He came to this state 
from Pennsylvania and was known as a prominent and influential citi- 
zen. He took an active and earnest part in the work of the Baptist 
church at King's Creek, to which his wife also belonged. His death 
occurred when he was about seventy-four years of age and Ids wife 
was eighty-one years old at the time of her death. 

Mr. and Mrs. Tritt began their domestic life in Urbana in 1853. 
our subject entering the employ of the firm of Brown, Willey & Pat- 
rick, proprietors of the flouring mill. In the spring of the succeeding 
year he removed to a farm in Salem township, renting the land for 
about three years. He then purchased what i- known as the X. A. 
Adams farm and conducted it until 1865. when he sold that propert) 
and purchased what is known as the Henry llaganbauch farm in Salem 
township, rhis he still owns and to its cultivation and development he 
devoted his energies until 1884. when he removed to his present home 
a.t King's Creek. He has one hundred and seventy-one and one-half 
acre- m| land in Salem township, constituting a well improved farm, 
and lie also owns sixty and one-half acres in Clark county, Ohio. He 
has been quite successful in stock-raising, as well as in the cultivation of 
the fields, and his business interests have brought to him very creditable 
success. 

Into Mr. and Mrs. Tritt have been born two children: S. Eliza- 
beth is the wife of Alfred Miller, of Columbus, < >hio, a real estate dealer, 
by whom she has two sons. Edward R. and James S. William A. mar- 
ried Ida A. Rule and resides in Springfield, Ohio, where he is engaged 
in manufacturing. They have three children : Harry R., Sarah E. and 
Merrel M. .Mr. Tritt united with the Baptist church in Greene county, 
Ohio, in 1N44. and has since taken an active part in its work, doing 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 399. 

his dutv to promote it- growth and extend its influence. In politics he 
is a stanch Republican, having cast his ballot for J. C. Fremont and 
Abe Lincoln and for each presidential candidate of the party since that 
time. He has twice been elected county infirmary director, receiving 
a unanimous nomination on the second occasion. He served in that 
capacity for six years and his record in office and his course in business 
are alike creditable. His diligence and unflagging enterprise have 
brought to him a handsome competence and he is living in retirement 
from labor. 



MARION TALBOT. 

As a representative of one of the sterling pioneer families of Cham- 
paign county and one that has figured prominently in its industrial life 
from the early days when was inaugurated the work of reclaiming the 
forest wild-, there i- particular propriety in according recognition to 
Mr. Tall iot in this compilation, even were his personal prestige and 
honorable accomplishment less pronounced than they are. For nearly 
a decade he has been incumbent of the position of deputy county clerk,, 
and in this office lie has rendered signally able and discriminating serv- 
ice in the handling of the manifold and important details of this portion 
of the comity government. 

Mr. Talbot was born on the ancestral homestead in Jackson town- 
ship, Champaign county. ( Ihio, on the 28th of July, iS> >_*. being the si n 
of George W. Talbot, who is still engaged in agricultural pursuits on 
the old farm. The latter is a son of Harvey Talbot, who came to this 
a nnty in the year 1802 with hi- father, Sampson Talbot, wdio was one 
1 the hrsl settlers ■ ; Concord town-hip and for many years was a 
justice of the peace for that town-hip. Harvey Talbot established his 
home in the sylvan wild- of Jackson township, where he cleared and 



40o CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

improved the farm how owned by his sun, the same being one of the 
valuable places of this favored section of the Buckeye state. Our sub- 
ject received his preliminary educational discipline in the public schools 
and was thereafter matriculated in Oberlin College, where he continued 
his studies for a time and then entered Dennison University; where he 
completed his scholastic training. He left the home farm when seven- 
teen years of age and thereafter was a successful and popular teacher in 
the county for a term of six years. In 1891 he was appointed to bis 
present position as deputy county clerk and bis tenure of the office has 
been consecutive from that time, his thorough knowledge of the affairs 
of the office and his capable management and executive ability having 
led to hi- retention by the successive incumbents of the office of county 
clerk. 

In politics Mr. Talbot has given an unequivocal support to the Re- 
publican party and its principles, and fraternally is identified with the 
time-honored order of Freemasonry, being a member of Champaign 
Lodge, Xo. 525. F. & A. M. ; Crhana Chapter, No. 34, R. A. M. ; and 
Urbana Council, No. 59, R. X' S. M. lie and his wife are members 
of the First Baptist church of Urbana. 

On the 3d of December. [885, Mr. Talbot was united in marriage 
tn Miss Lillie M. Zerkel. who was born in Champaign county, Ohio, 
the daughter of Solon Zerkel. In April, [902, Mr. Talbot was nomi- 
nated to the office of county clerk of Champaign countv. 



EDWARD A. GUY. 

I'll" many years the subject of this memoir has been classed among 
the prominent and influential citizens of Champaign county, where he is 
well known as an agriculturist and as a tile manufacturer. His birth 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 401 

occurred in Madison county, Ohio, on the 17th of November, 1829. I le 
is descended from a prominent old Vermont family, his paternal grand- 
father, lames Guy, having been born in that commonwealth, but he 
became one of the early pioneers of Madison county, Ohio'. In the 
Green Mountain state the father of our subject, William Guy, was also 
hum. and when ten years of age was brought by his parents to Madison 
county. He was there married to Adelaide Fullington, who came from 
Vermont, the state of her nativity, to Ohio at the age of ten year-, and 
her father, George Fullington, was also one of the early pioneers of 
Madison county. She was called to her final rest at the age of eighty; 
years, and her husband reached the good old age of ninety-three years. 
They became the parents of eight children, five sons and three daugh- 
ters, all of whom grew to years 01 maturity with the exception of one 
sun. who died at the age of three years. 

Edward A. Guy. the first horn of the eight children, was reared to 
years of maturity in Pike township, Madison count}', Ohio. After his 
marriage he took up his abode in Champaign county and on the farm 
on which he first located he has ever since continued to make his home. 
At one time his landed possessions consisted of three hundred and 
ninety acres, but he has since sold a part of that tract and at the pres- 
ent time his homestead consists of only eighteen acres. In 1882, in con- 
nection with his farming and stock-raising interests, he embarked in 
tile manufacturing, and in both lines of trade has been eminently suc- 
cessful. He is a man of uprightness in word and deed, and all who 
know him or have had business dealings with him speak in the highest 
terms of his justice and honor. 

In the year ICS54. in Union county, Ohio, Mr. Guy was united in 
marriage to Adelaide McMullan. a native of Madison county. Illinois, 
where her father, John McMullan. was among the early pioneers, and 
Mrs. Guy is the fifth in order of birth of her parents' eight children. 



402 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

This union has been blessed with the following children: Lucy, the 
deceased wife of Ed Ho<lge; Ida, the wife of James Hanson, of Galli- 
polis; Clara, the wife of Clark Britton, of Mechanicsburg; Edwin, who 
is married, and both he and his wife are employed in the Boys' Indus- 
trial School at Lancaster, Ohio; Mary, the wife of Thomas Baker, of 
Mechanicsburg; and Margaret, who is in the Episcopal Hospital at 
Gallipolis, Ohio. Throughout the years of his manhood Mr. Guy has 
given a loyal support to the Republican party, and on its ticket he was 
elected to the office of trustee of Goshen township, in which he was 
the incumbent for twelve consecutive years. For a period i : fifteen 
years he was a director of the Count}' Fair Association, and for a long- 
period was a member of the Central Fair Association, which included 
the counties of Champaign, Clark, Union and Madison. His sterling 
worth command- the respect and confidence of all, and he is one of the 
valued citizens of Champaign county. 



ELIAS P. BLACK. 



Elias P. Black, who has been identified with the interests of Rush 
township. Champaign count}-, throughout his entire life, was born on the 
farm on which he now resides on the 3d of September. 183';. His 
lather, Peter Black, was born in Washington count}-, Pennsylvania, in 
1786, and in [809 he came with his parents. Samuel and Sara! Black, 
to Rush township, the journey being made with ox teams. In this 
township the son Peter was reared, and he was here married to Maria 
A. Hilliard, who was born in Vermont, but when quite young --he was 
brought to Champaign county. 

VIr. and Mrs. Black began their domestic life on a farm in Rush 
township, the work of which was carried on in partnership with a 
neighbor, and one team, consisting of a bull and a horse, performed the 





£Uf^ ^ 





W> 




FRAHCIS H. BLACK. 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 405 

labor for both parties for two years. Mr. Black went into Union county, 
near Bvhalia. where he was engaged in making- maple sugar, which he 
hauled to Cincinnati and sold, using the proceeds to pay for his farm of 
one hundred and six acres which lie had purchased in this township. Dur- 
ing a part of ihis time he was associated in business with Samuel Ilanes 
and a Mr. Coom. After paying for his land he purchased another 
tract of one hundred acres, which he paid tor by making "Black Salts" 
from the ashes of the timber which had been cut from his land, and 
later he became the owner of an adjoining tract of fifty acres. He 
subsequently went to Kansas and purchased seventeen hundred and sixty 
acres on the Usage river, in Anderson county, which is now owned by 
his son, Judge F. M. Black, of Kansas City. His life's labors were 
ended in death when he had reached the age of seventy-three years. 
His was a remarkable record, and it illustrates in no uncertain manner 
what it is possible to accomplish when perseverance and determination 
form the keynote to a man's life. Depending upon his own resources, 
he arose from comparative obscurity to a place of prominence in the 
business world. Mrs. Black reached the age of seventy-five years. This 
worth}- couple became the parents of seven children, four of whom 
grew to years of maturity, namely: Lydia A. Archer, of Woodstock; 
Frank M., a judge of Kansas City, Missouri; and Harriet 11.. deceased 

Elias P. Black, of this review, is the sixth child in order of birth 

in the above family. He was reared on the farm on which he now 

s. and Ins primary education was received in the primitive log 

school house ol tin- neighborh 1. Later he became a student in the 

na high school, and afterward received a course in the university 
at Delaware, Ohio. On account of his father's illness he was obliged 

ave the schoolroom and return to the home farm, and after the 

latter- death be 1 eel to care for his aged mother until she. too, 

was called to the home beyond. In 1SS5 he added the dairs business 

is general farming, and he now keeps aboul one hundred bead of 
21 



406 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

registered Jerseys, to which he feeds ensilage. He was the first to man- 
ufacture this food, of which he now feeds about two hundred and fifty 
Ions a year, and he has three siloes, with a capacity of from seventy- 
five to one hundred tons each. He does all of his own separating and 
ships his cream, this branch of his business yielding him an average 
of two hundred dollars a month, lie is also a stockholder and now 
president of the Woodstock Hank, which was organized eighteen years 
ago. The bank was organized with twelve stockholders, but it now 
has only three. Mr. Black lias ever kept himself well informed on the 
political issues, and gives an intelligent support to the Democratic part)', 
although he is very liberal in his views. For seven years he served 
as t lie trustee of his township, and at one time was nominated for the 
position of county commissioner on the Democratic ticket, but the county 
at that time contained a Republican majority of about seventeen hun- 
dred and Air. Black' came within sixty votes of winning the election. 
lie has many times served as judge of elections before the Australian 
ballot system was inaugurated. He is a prominent citizen of the com- 
munity, and his fine homestead of two hundred and twenty-two and a 
hall acres is one of the desirable places of the county. 

Mr. Black was united in marriage to Miss L. I\. White, of Dela- 
ware. < >hio, and they have reared four orphan children. In his social 
relations he is s member of the Masonic fraternity at Urbana, and of 
the Junior < Irder of American Mechanics at Mingo. 



GEORGE W. CRIFFIELD. 

George W. Criffield, a farmer residing in King's Creek, after long 
years of close and honorable connection with agricultural pursuits has 
now put aside business cares and labors and is enjoying a well merited 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 407 

rest. He was born in Salem township, October 2, 1837. and on the 
paternal side was of Welsh descent, while on the maternal side he is of 
German lineage. He was reared in the faith of the Society of Friend-, 
his maternal grandfather having been connected with that religious seel. 
His father, Isaac Crifheld. was a native of Virginia and on attaining 
his maturity left the Old Dominion in order to seek a home upon what 
was then the western frontier, taking up his abode in Salem township, 
Champaign county. He was twice married, his first union being with a 
Miss Leonard, by whom he has three children, but all are now deceased. 
In Salem township he wedded Margaret Parkes. a native of Chester 
countv. Pennsylvania, who came to Champaign county when about 
twenty years of age with her brother, John Parkes. Mr. Critfield, the 
father, died at the age of forty-four years. In their family were three 
children. George W. Crifheld, the eldest and the only one now living, 
is indebted to the public school system of his native township for the 
educational privileges which he enjoyed. In his youth he assisted in 
the work of the home farm from the time of early spring planting until 
the crops were harvested in the autumn. When he had arrived at years 
of maturity he sought as a companion and helpmate Miss Barbara Herr, 
and unto them were born four children : Charles A., who married Eva 
Davis and resides upon the old home farm; Abe II.: Frances, who died 
at the age of nineteen years; and one who died in infancy. In Febru- 
ary, 1902. Mr. Crifheld was again married, his second union being with 
Johanna Bowers, and they are now residing in King's Creek. 

Air. Crifheld provided for hi- family by following agricultural pur- 
suits and stock-raising and he remained upon the old homestead until 
'line. 1902. At the time of his second marriage he removed to King's 
Creek, where he now has a pleasant home. He i- yet the owner of two 
farms, one comprising two hundred and ten acre- and the other fifty 
acre-. It is all rich and arable land, located in Salem town-hip, and 



4 o8 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

returns to him an excellent income. In politics he is a stanch Republic 
can and takes an active interest in political work, lie has served as 
school director and as a member O'f the board of education for a num- 
ber of years. For thirty-five years lie has held membership in the King's 
(reels Baptist church and has taken a very active and helpful part in 
its work. He has held a number of offices in the church and for a num- 
ber iii years served as superintendent of the Sunday-school, lie i^ a 
public-spirited and progressive man who never withholds his aid or 
influence from movement or measure calculated to promote the general 
good. Energetic, industrious and enterprising, these salient features in 
his character have won for him creditable success. 



JOHN WESLEY KENAGA. 

John Wesley Kenaga, one oi the leading rqjresentatives of the 
agricultural interests of Champaign county, was born in Berks county, 
Pennsylvania, April [8. [833. Bis paternal grandfather, Joseph Ken- 
aga, was one 1 i the early pioneers of this locality, and here he spent 
the remainder of his iil'e. Hi- son and the father .if our subject, fohn 
Kenaga, claimed Maryland as the State of his nativity, where he 
reared and educated, but when a young man he moved to Berks county. 
Pennsylvania, where for eleven years he was engaged in the milling 
business. In [836 he left his home in that state and came to Cham- 
paign county, 1 >hii . where for the firsl two years he was engaged in 
agricultural pursuits and then removed to Urbana City, there seen 
an interest in a stage business. In [862, however, he returned to his 
farm, but shortly afterward again located in the city of Urbana, where 
he was engaged in the clothing business with !' liven. Selling his 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 409 

interest therein. Mr. Kenaga sought his country home, later again re- 
ed to Urbana and there his remaining days were passed, he having 
closed his eyes in death in 1889. As a companion on the journey oi 
life he chose Miss Frances Bruner, also a native of Berks county, Penn- 
sylvania, and her death occurred in Urbana in 1882. This worthy 
couple became the parents of seven children, namely: John Wesley; 
William F. ; Bruner. deceased; Joseph; Heber, deceased; Brooks, de- 
ceased: and Emma. 

John Wesley, who was the first born, was but four years of age 
when brought by his parents to this county, and his education was re- 
ceived in the public schools of Urbana. After his marriage he located 
where he now resides, on a farm consisting of one hundred and twenty- 
eight acres of valuable and highly improved land, and there is exten- 
sively engaged in general farming and stock-raising. His fields are 
under a most excellent state of cultivation, and everything about the 
place shows evidence of a thrifty and progressive owner. 

In 1856 occurred the marriage of Mr. Kenaga with Miss Sally 
Powell, a native daughter of Champaign county, where her parents were 
among the early pioneer settlers, they having come to this locality from 
Kentucky. Unto this union were born three children. — Etta, deceased; 
Carrie; and Bruner, deceased. Mrs. Kenaga died August 28, 1892. 
Carrie, the only living child of Mr. and Mrs. Kenaga, was born on 
the old homestead near Urbana in 185.) and was educated at the Urbana 
schools. In 1881 she married Dr. Isaac Pearce Owen, who died Febru- 
ary [3, 1889, leaving his widow with two children. Etta K. and Isaac 
Pearce. In 1893 Mrs. Carrie (Kenaga) Owen was united in marriage 
10 Henry Freyhof. a native of Louisville, Kentucky, born in 1870. Io 
this union one child. Earl L.. has been bom. Mr. Freyhof is a Repub 
lican in politics and is now engaged in farming on the old Kenaga 
homestead. Mr. Kenaga gives his political support to the Republican 



4 to CENTEX X I AL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

party, having cast his first presidential vote for Fremont in 1856, and 
for three years he served as the trustee of his township. He is an act- 
ive member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in all movements 
for the betterment of his fellow men he takes a conspicuous and leading- 
part. 



VESALIUS S. MAGRUDER. 

Of worthy Scutch ancestry, Vesalius S. Magruder, at present en- 
gaged in the real-estate and insurance business in Mechanicsburg, was 
born in this city May 22, 1846, a son of James L. and Eliza E. 1 Staf- 
ford) Magruder, and grandson of Xinian and Elizabeth (Lyons) Ma- 
gruder. 

On both the paternal and maternal sides of the family the emi- 
grating forefathers settled in the Old Dominion state, and at Win- 
chester. Virginia, James L. Magruder was born August 29, 1S17. Un- 
til his nineteenth year his association with his family remained unbroken, 
and then, accompanied by a brother-in-law. Filander Maine, they set 
out for the home of the latter in Vienna Crossroads, (lark county, 
• liii". their means of locomotion being a single horse, which between 
them they "rode and tied." After a year at the Crossroads, Mr. Ma- 
gruder came t<> the conclusion that his field of usefulness lay elsev 
so journeyed to West Liberty, where he learned the trade of harness- 
making, ami where he remained For nearly four years. As early as 
[838 he Incited in Mechanicsburg, and here found employment with 
William Rutan, one of the pioneers of tin- town. In 1S41 lie started 
an independent business, and in the shop originally -elected fur the mak- 
ing of his harness he has since continued to ply his trade, the industry 
established by him constituting one of the interesting landmark- of the 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 4" 

locality. A well merited success has crowned his efforts as a busi 
man and citizen, and no other has mure happily allied with his industry 
a delightful and optimistic personality, a finely balanced character, and 
a high regard for the worth-while things of life. These admirable 
traits pre-suppose unstinted esteem, and in the case of Mr. Magrudei 
have brought also popularity and general good will. He was married 
at West liberty in 1842, with Eliza E. StaftV.nl, a native of Pennsyl- 
vania and of Irish descent. Mrs. Magruder, who died in 1900. at the 
age of seventy-six, was the mother of two children, a sun and daughter, 
the latter, Sallie E„ being now the wife of Jacob Horr, of Mechanics- 
burg. Politically Mr. Magruder was originally a Whig, and is at pres- 
ent a Republican. 

It was but natural that \ esalius S. Magruder should early acquire 
a knowledge of the harness business, and after finishing his education 
in the public schools, he completed the trade under his father's able 
instruction. Dunn- the Civil war he enlisted for four months. May 2, 
[864. in Company C. One Hundred and Thirty-Fourth Ohio Volunteer 
infantry, and during the service learned enough about war to appre- 
ciate the benefit of peace. He has since been a member, and for two 
terms commander, of the Stephen Baxter Post, No. 88, Grand Army 
of the Republic. In 1867 Mr. Magruder became interested with his la- 
ther in the harness business, and continued the association until the pres- 
ent year, when the time-honored simp, with its multitudinous reminders 
public appreciation, and of its genial and well loved founder, is about 
to pass into other hands. In the meantime Mr. Magruder has bee .me 
interested in real estate and insurance, in which lines of activity succ 
may be predicted, if general business ability is any guide. A whole- 
some interest in p. .lilies has added somewhat to the cares of Mr. Ma- 
gruder, and he has creditably filled several minor offices, am rig them 
being that of corporation clerk of Mechanic-burg, which be held for 



4 i2 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

twelve rears, and that of a member of the school hoard for four years. 
For thirty-five years he has been a member of the Independent Order 
of Odd Fellows. 

In 1869 Mr. Magruder married Annie Horr. a native of this town, 
of which union there is one sun. James \\\, a medical practitioner of 
Peru, Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Magruder are members of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal church, and the former has been connected with the offi- 
cial board for many years. He hears an excellent reputation in the com- 
munity, and thus it happens that the name of Magruder, through father 
and son, has come to be regarded as indicative of business and moral 
strength. 



FENTON WHETSEL. 

The line farm owned and occupied by the subject of this sketch 
is located in section 12. Mad River township, and lie i^ known a-- one 
of the substantia] and progressive agriculturists of this favored section 
of the stale. Mr. Whetsel is a native of the Old Dominion, having been 
horn in Shenandoah county, Virginia, 011 the [8th of February, 1845, 
the si 'ii of Samuel Whetsel, who was born in the same county, where 
he was reared to maturity and where bis marriage occurred, the maiden 
name of his wife having been Elizabeth Eariari. He lived 1" attain the 
age of about seventy-six years, and died in Licking count}-. ( »hio, where 
his widow still maintains her home. They became the parents of eight 
children, all of whom are living, namely: Uriah, Fenton, Joseph, James, 
Lemuel, Rufus, Robert and Mary, the last named being the wife of 
Thomas Horner, of Licking county. 

Fenton Whetsel was reared and educated in Virginia, where he 
grew up under the sturdy discipline of the farm. In 1862 lie tendered 




MRS MARTHA J. WHETSFL. 




FEHTON WHETSEL. 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 415 

his services to the Confederacy, becoming a member of Company EC, 
Twelfth Virginia Cavalry, with which he rendered valiant service until 
the close of the war, having participated in many of the most notable 
battles of the great conflict. On two occasions he had his horse shut 
beneath him and was personally struck twice by the enemy's bullets, but 
during his entire term of service he was never disabled and was always 
at his post of duty. Shortly after the close of the war, in 1865, Mr. 
Whetsel came to Champaign county, and for the following eleven years 
was employed by the month on various farms in this section of the 
state. After his marriage he located on a small farm in Concord town- 
ship, where he remained until 1894, when he took up his residence on 
his present farm, which comprises about seventy acres, well improved 
and under most effective cultivation. He has attained independence 
and definite success through his own efforts, has been indefatigable, 
energetic and faithful, and has known the meaning of hard work, so 
that none can begrudge him the prosperity which he has so worthily 
achieved. He is the owner of property in Licking county, where he 
showed ins filial devotion by purchasing a lot and erecting thereon a 
comfortable residence for his father and mother, the latter of whom 
srill makes her home there. In politics Mr. Whetsel gives his support 
to the men whom he considers the best fitted for office, and fraternally 
he is identified with Westville Lodge, No. 433, Knights of Pythias, 
while he attends the Methodist Episcopal church, being held in the 
highest esteem in the community. 

On the 4th of May. 1S75, Mr. Whetsel was united in marriage to 
Miss Martha J. Osborn, who was horn on the farm where our subject 
now lives, January 17, 1840, her father having been one of the pioneers 
ot this c ainty. She died on the 1 ith of October, 1900, leaving no chil- 
dren. She proved a devoted companion and helpmeet to her husband 
and was a woman whose gentle and gracious character had endeared 



4i6 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

her to a wide circle of friends. She was a daughter of Noble and 
Susan (Kenton) Osborn, who located in Champaign county in an early 
day and here passed the remainder of their lives. 



JAMES 1. BLOSE. 

In scanning the lives and careers of the citizens of Champaign 
county, Ohio, it is pleasing to note the exercise of enterprise in every 
walk of life, and the achievement of success in every department of busi- 
iii-" and industrial activity. The personal career of the subject of this 
review has been an active and successful one, and the intelligence and 
ability shown by him in the management and direction "i his business 
affairs, as well as those pertaining to important public office of which 
lie has been incumbent, and the interest he has always shown in the 
advancement of measures for the good of the county, have caused him 
to he classed among the representative citizens of this section of the 
Mate, while there are additional points of interest attaching to his ca- 
reer from the fact that he is a native son of the county and a representa- 
tive of pioneer families of sterling character. 

Mr. Blose was born mi a farm in Mad River township, Champaign 
county, Ohio, on the i8th of October, 1852, being the son 1 f Daniel 
and Louisa 1 Colbert) Blose, the former of whom was born in Virginia 
and the latter in Champaign county, Ohio, where their marriage was 
solemnized. Daniel Blose was a mere boy at the time when his par- 
ents removed from the Old Dominion state to Ohio, and his father, 
Henry Rl se, thus became one of the pioneer farmers of Champaign 
county, as was also John Colbert, the maternal grandfather of the suh- 
ject of this sketch. Daniel Blose was twice married, his first union being 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 417 

to a Miss Pence, who bore him three children, while Lv the second 
union there were five sons, of whom three are living at the present time. 
Mr. Blose died at the age of fifty-five years, having devoted his active 
life to agricultural pursuits, and his widow survived him by many years, 
passing away in ro/Oi, at the venerable age of eighty-two years. 

James I. Blose remained on the homestead farm until be had at- 
tained the age of seventeen years, early beginning to contribute his 
quota td its work and receiving his preliminary educational training in 
the district schools and supplementing the same by a course of study in 
Urbana University. Upon leaving the farm he secured a clerical po- 
sition in the Urbana office of the Panhandle Railroad, where he re- 
mained about a year, and then entered into partnership with John C. 
Edmistcn and engaged in the grain business in Urbana, building up 
an excellent business and continuing operations under the firm name of 
Blase & F.dmisti >n about six years. 

In his political adherency Mr. Blose has ever been arrayed in sup- 
port oi the principles and policies of the Democratic party and he has 
taken an active interest in public affairs of a local nature. In 1876 
lie was elected to the office of county treasurer, and so capably and sat- 
isfactorily administered the financial affairs of Champaign county that 
lie was chosen as his own successor in 1878, being thus in tenure of the 
office i.<r two consecutive terms. After retiring from office Mr. Blose 
resumed his operations as a grain and produce commission merchant, 
and lias ever since been concerned in this important line of enterprise 
in Urbana, conducting an individual business and handling a large 
ume ol business, buying and shipping grain and handling feed, hay and 
other products of the farm, while he has also been successful in the 
handling oi farm properties, a- a real-estate operator, lie is known as 
one oi the progressive and straightforward business men of his native 
countw where be is held in uniform confidence and esteem. Fraternally 



4i 8 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

Mr. Blose is a prominent member of the Masonic order, being identified 
with Harmony Lodge, No. 8, F. & A. M.; Urbana Chapter, No. 34, 
R. A. M. ; and Raper Commandery, No. 19, Knights Templar, all at 
Urbana, while he is also a member of Scottish Rite bodies and the 
Mystic Shrine at Dayton, taking a deep interest in the affairs of this 
ancient and time-honored fraternity. 

On the 28th of December. 1876, Air. Blose was united in mar- 
riage to Miss Lucy Ann Straw, of Carey, Ohio, she having been born 
in Wyandot county, the daughter of David Straw. Mr. and Mrs. Blose 
have three children, Corinne, Lucv and Helen. 



A. G. HOPKIXS. 



V 1 1. Hopkins, a wide-awake and progressive farmer, living on the 
Urbana and Mechanicsburg pike in Goshen township, Champaign 
county, was born in Union county. < Ihio, January 22, [847. His father, 
George Hopkins, was also a native of Union county, while the grand- 
father Benjamin Hopkins, was burn in England. The last named was 
a sailoi in early life, but when a young man came to America and 
cast in his lot with the pioneer settler- of Union county, Ohio. The 
father ol our subject was reared and married in that county and there 
followed the occupation of farming until his death, which occurred 
when he was about forty-eight years of age. He married Sarah Bates, 
a native of Logan county, Ohio, born and reared in that portion of the 
state. Her father was Cranson Hates, a pioneer settler of Logan county. 
Mrs. Hopkins also died when about forty-eight years of age. By her 
marriage she had become the mother of six children, all 1 if whom reached 
adult life. There were two daughters and four sons and Mr. Hopkins 
oi this review was the second child and son. 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 419. 

Reared in the county of his nativity A. G. Hopkins acquired his 

early education in the district schools of Union county and remained w ith 
his parents until they were called to the home beyond. He was only 
>ix years of age at the time of his father's death, after which our sub- 
ject and his brother, Marion, supported the family until after the 
inauguration of the Civil war. Both enlisted, the subject of this review 
becoming a member of the One Hundred and Thirty-Sixth Ohio In- 
fantry in [864. He joined Company B, and served until the expira- 
tion of his term of service, tie then returned to Union county, but 
after a short time removed to St. Petersburg, Pennsylvania, and en- 
gaged in speculating in the nil district, being connected with that busi- 
ness for twelve vears. On the expiration of that period he sold his 
interest in Pennsylvania, where he had met with creditable success, and 
then came to Champaign county, where he purchased the farm upon 
which he now resides. He has since been engaged in the tilling of the 
soil and stock raising. He has two hundred and seventeen acres of well 
tilled land, upon which is a good residence, substantial barns and all 
modern equipments. Mr. Hopkins is also one of the stockholders of 
the Farmers' Bank of Mechanicsburg. 

In [882 occurred the marriage of our subject and Miss Xettie 
.Miller, a daughter of James and Emeline (Burnham) Miller. Mrs. 
Hopkins was born in Madison county, < Ihio, and unti tins marriage have 
been born two sons, Roy and Harold. The former is now an illustrator 
for magazines in New York, while the latter, a lad of nine years, is at 
une. Mr. Hopkins is a stanch Republican and for eleven years has 
held the office of township trustee, discharging his duties with marked 
fidelity and promptness. He belongs to Mechanicsburg Lodge, F. & 
A. M . and also ti • the 1 Irder of the Eastern Star of that place. He is 
likewise a member of Stephen Baxter Post No. 85, Grand Army of the 
Republic, of which he i< now serving as commander, lie belongs t> 



4 20 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

the Methodist Episcopal church, is a member of its board of trustees 
and takes an active interest in everything pertaining to its growth and 
upbuilding. His interest in public affairs is broad and helpful. His life 
has been well spent and as the architect of his own fortunes he certainly 
deserves credit for what he has accomplished. 



JOHX G. LOGAN. 



One of the native suns of Champaign county who holds precedence 
as ( >ne of its influential and successful farmers is Air. Logan, whose 
valuable landed estate is located in section 22, Urbana township, lie 
was born in this township, on the 15th of October, 1835, being a son 
of Elijah Logan, who was born in Kentucky, whence his father. Samuel 
Logan, removed to < )hio in the year 1812, locating in Urbana township, 
this county, where he took up a quarter sectii n of government land in 
what is now section 21, and here his death occurred in the following 
year. His son Elijah was reared on this pioneer homestead, which has 
thus been owned by the family for three generations, the same being 
now an integral portion of the tine estate of the subject of this review. 
In this township was solemnized the marriage of Elijah Logan to M'iss 
Roxaline Powell, who was born in this township, being a daughter of 
Samuel Powell, who came from his native state of Kentucky to Cham- 
paign count}- in [806, becoming one of the first settlers in Urbana town- 
ship. The mother of our subject died at the age of fift) years, and her 
husband passed away when about sixty years of age. He was originally 
a Whig and later a Republican in politics and was one of the prominent 
men of his township, where he held various official positions. 1 lis wife 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 421 

was a devoted member of the Baptist church. They became the par- 
ent- of eleven children, of whom seven attained maturity, while only 
three are living at the present time, namely: Samuel, who is a resident 
of Lincoln, Logan county, Illinois; Adell, who resides in Kansas; and 
Juhn G.. the subject of this sketch and now the only member of the 
family in the county. 

Mr. Logan was reared on the old homestead and his early educa- 
tional advantages were such as were afforded in the district schools. 
With the exception of two years, which he passed in Kentucky, he has 
passed his entire life in this county and has been consecutively identi- 
fied with agricultural pursuits. In 1862 he was united in marriage 
to .Mrs. Mary A. (Rohrer) Blose, who was born in Mad River town- 
ship, this county, the daughter of Daniel and Sarah (Loudenback) 
Kohrer, who were representatives of two of the early pioneer families 
of the county, the father having cine from Pennsylvania and the Lou- 

ick family from Virginia. Our subject and his wife base four 
children, namely: Emma Edith, who is the wife of John L. Wlood- 
burn. of Urbana; Ethelbert R., who married Annette Bailey and re- 
sides in this township; Edna Esther, who remains at the parental home; 
and John Karl, who married Clara < >bers and lives in this township. 

Our subject has resided on his present homestead from his youth 
up. and is now one of the most extensive land-holders in the county, 
having at the present time a landed estate of one thousand acres and 
being one of the most influential and successful farmers of this section 
of the state. He has one of the finesl residences in the county, the 
dwelling having been remodeled in 1SS7. while other additions were 
made at a later date, so thai it is specially spacious and attractive. In 
politics Mr. Logan is a stanch supporter of the Democratic party and is 
held in the highest confidence and esteem in the county where he has 
I 3sed practically his entire life. 



422 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

j \.\IES L. GRAIN. 

Of one of the honored pioneer families of Champaign count}' is 
the subject of this sketch a representative, and here lie has passed the 
entire span of his life, now holding prestige as one of the successful 
fanners and horsemen of Union township and -landing as one of the 
leading citizens of that section of his native county. 

James Lewis Grain was born in Prett) Prairie, this county, on 
the 24th of February, 1830, being the son of Lewis F. Grain, who 
wai born in the state of Kentucky, where he was reared to maturity, 
and whence, as a }'oung man, he came to Champaign county, and here 
engaged in the raising of and dealing in horses and hogs. He located 
a large tract of land on Pretty Prairie, Urbana township, being one of 
the first settlers in that locality. He was a son of Lewis Grain, who 
likewise was horn in Kentucky, w here he devoted his life to agricultural 
pursuits, having been a Whig in his political views. Lewis F. Grain 
was married, in Clark county. Ohio, to Miss Clara Phifer, who was 
born in Virginia, in the district of the Greenbrier river, her parents 
having been of German descent. From Virginia they came to Ohi - 
when their daughter Clara was a child, and located first in Franklin 
county, whence they later removed to Clark county, where the) passed 
the remainder of their lives. Lewis P. and Clara Grain became the 
parents of three children, — James L., the subject of this sketch ; Lucinda 
J-. the w 1 low of I ienry Espey, formerly a prominent hanker of Urb 
find Loui > the widow ,,f John D. Fligger, who was a rail- 

id man. 

Out subject received his educational training in the public schools 
al Springfield, this county, but leu school al the early age of fifteen 

-.. and thereafter remained with his step-father 1 his own father 
having died when our subject was only p ears of age), William 




MRS. MARTHA A. CRAIH. 




JAMES L. CRAIH 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 425 

Vance, a brother of ex-Governor Vance of Ohio, and thus he continued 
until the death of Mr. Vance, in 1866. He was but seven years of 
a°"e when the farm upon which he now resides became his home, and 
early began to aid in the work of clearing and improving the place. 
In £856 he and his step-father erected a gristmill in this township, and 
the building is still standing. The farm owned by Mr. Crain was pur- 
chased in the early '60s by 1\. E. Robinson, who secured the property at 
a public auction, and in [868 our subject purchased the place of the 
gentleman named and now has an estate of nearly five hundred acres, 
upon which he has made the best of improvements. In connection with 
his diversified farming Mr. Crain devotes special attention to the raising 
of live stock, particularly horses of the best type, and at the time of 
this writing lias on his farm fifty head of very highly bred animals, and 
also keeps a stable in L'rhana. lie has attained a high reputation as a 
breeder of fine horses, and takes an enthusiastic interest in this branch 
of his business. 

On the 26th of March, 1850, Mr. Crain was united in marriage 
to Miss Martha A. Todd, who was born in Pennsylvania, and who is a 
sister of Mrs. Alary H. Runyon, widow of J. H. Runyon, of whom a 
memoir appears on another page of this volume. Of this union five 
children have been born, namely: Clara A., who remains at the parental 
home: Caroline J., the wife of Elmer Powell, a successful farmer of 
Union township, who helps our subject in the training of his horses; 
William L. and Florence, who are deceased; and a daughter who died 
in infancy. 

Mr. Crain is one of the honored veterans of the war of the Rebel- 
lion, 111 which he served with marked loyalty, participating in many of 
the important battles of thai greatest of all civil conflicts. On the 2d 
of March. 1X04, he enlisted as a private in Company K. One Hundred 

and Thirty-fourth Ohio Volunteer infantry, being made second sergeanl 
22 



426 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

of his company, with which he served until the close of the war, receiv- 
ing his honorable discharge in Urbana. In politics Mr. Grain gives 
a stanch allegiance to the Republican party, and has been an active 
worker in the ranks of the same, his first presidential vote having been 
cast in support of John C. Fremont'. His religious faith is that of the 
Presbyterian church, and he has been for many years a member of the 
church at Buck Creek, having contributed liberally to the erection of the 
church building. He is held in the highest esteem in the community 
and is known as a progressive and public-spirited citizen. 



CYRUS MILLER. 



Cyrus Miller was born in Mad River township, Champaign count) . 
< Hum. August 7, 1855. His father, David Miller, was a native of Shen- 
andoah county, Virginia, born August 5, 1813, and came to Ohio when 
about fifteen years of age making the journey alone, lie made his way 
•direct to Champaign county, settling in Mad River township, lie was 
a wagonmaker by trade and began work along that line soon after his 
arrival, carrying on business at Terrehaute for many years. By his 
well directed efforts he accumulated a handsome competence and at 
length was enabled to retire from active business life, passing- away at 
the age of seventy-five years. lie gave his political support to the 
Democracy and was at one time township trustee, lie also belonged to 
the Lutheran church. His record was one commendable and worthy, 
for he started out in life empty-handed at the early age of fourteen years 
and steadily worked his way upward until his enterprise and industry 
had made him a successful and prominent man. He was united in mar- 
riage to Keziah [ones, a native of German township, Clark county, Ohio, 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 427 

where their marriage was celebrated. Her parents were David and 
Margaret ( Bruner) Jones, who were earlj settlers of Clark county, tak- 

ip their abode there when the Indians were still residents of that 

district. Mrs. .Miller still sun husband. She was born Augusl 

and has therefore passed the eighty-fifth milestone on life's 

ley. By her marriage she became the mother of five children, of 
win 111 Cyrus .Miller is the fourth in order of birth and the third son. 
He is also the only survivor, fur the others died in infancy. 

In his native township Mr. Miller of this review was reared 

■ lii^ education in the common schools of the district, while later 
he pursued a high school course for four years, lie devoted his en- 
ergies to educational work, spending three years in Mad River township 
and one in Clark county, Ohii , as a representative of educational in- 
terests there, lie remained at home until his marriage, which occurred 
\. vember _•. 1879, the lady of his choice being Nella Sifers, a native 
of Mad River township, Champaign county, and a daughter of William 
and Hester (Hullinger) Sifers, the former a native of Virginia and the 

: .if Champaign county, < >hio. Mr-. Miller was their third child and 
youngesl daughter. She was reared and educated in Mad River town- 
ship and tu her husband she has proved an able assistant on life's jour- 
ney, [mmediately after his marriage Mr. Miller located in Terrehaute, 
where he ha- since resided. After abandoning the work of an 

he engaged in the operation of a sawmill at this place, continuing 
in that line fur five year-. In [886 he v. hip eler! 

served continuously in thai until the 1 -t of September. [898. ' 

rS86 he has been notary public, having been appointed bv G 

■ er. He 1- also interested in the real estate business, own- 
ing a number of farm-, including forty-four acres which adjoi 
haute. Mosl of hi- laud i- in Mad River township, and in all ag 

- four hundred and thirl 3. Mr. Mill* 



428 CEXTEXXIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

upon to settle a number of estates, a fact which indicates his well known 
honesty and proverbial trustworthiness. He also carries on an insur- 
ance business and the policies which he writes each year amount to a 
considerable sum. 

In his fraternal relations Mr. Miller is a Mason, belonging to the 
lodge and chapter at Saint Paris and the commandery at Urbana. lie 
is also a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and in his political 
views is a stalwart Democrat, taking an active part in everything tend- 
ing to advance his party's success. He is also actively interested in all 
movements for the general welfare and as a citizen is known as one 
who is ever loyal to the public good. In business circles he-sustains 
an unassailable business reputation and his sterling worth is widely 
acknowledged by main' friends who have long known him. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Miller were born three children: The oldest, 
David William, was born November iq. 1880. and died September 13, 
1881 ; Mabel, born August 7, 1883. is taking a high school course; Ben- 
jamin Franklin, born Januarv t, 1886, is still at home. 



SHERMAN S. DEATON. 

Among the practitioners at the Champaign county bar who have 
won distinction i< Sherman S. Deaton. If honor and success could lie 
won by purchase, main- a man who goes through life upon a common 
plane would rise to a position of eminence, but in a learned profession 
onl) unremitting diligence, zeal and strong mentality avail and it has 
been a- the resull - f these alone that Sherman S. Deaton has become 
known a- a rm -t capable attorney-at-law. He was bom in Kosciusko 
county, Indiana, on the -'3rd of February, 1865, his parent- being George 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 429 

\V. and Frai tnej 1 Deaton, both of whom were natives of 

Clark county, Ohio. In the year [863 they removed to Indiana and set- 
tled on a farm in Kosciusko county. They had eight childn 

and one daughter, but the eldest son and the daughter are now 
deceased. Mr. Deaton of this review was the fifth in • rder ol birth. 
His father died when the son was thirteen yeai ■■ and tin 

survived for thirteen years, thereafter passing away in death December 
i-'. 189 (.. 

man S. Deaton was reared on the home farm and has always 
retained a deep interest in thi 1 who cultivate the soil and carry 

on that branch of activity known as agriculture. In the common 
e obtained his early education and being of a studious nature 
lvanced rapidly in his studies, so that at the earlv age of seven- 
teen years he ed a certificate and became a teacher. For twelve 

ereafter he followed thai profession, having been empli 
during the first five the public schools of rndiana, wdiile for 

seven years he was a teacher in the graded schools of Honey Creek, 
Jack- ivi - p, 1 hampaign county, being principal of the grammar 

md during the last three years of that period also tilling the 
uperintendent of the schools of Jackson town-hip. being one 
of the first township superintendents in the county. Hi- early educa- 
tion acquired in the country schools was supplemented by a brief term 
tudy in the Warsaw (Indiana) high school and the Fort Wayne 
the Methodist Episcopal church at Fort Wayne. Indiana. 
Durii Minmer- of [887, [888, 1889 and 1890 he also attended the 

Northwestern Ohio Normal University at Ada. Ohio. 

While engaged in teaching school Mr. Deaton studied law and 
continued his task of mastering the principles of jurisprudence while 
at \da. lie completed bis law studies ii th< f the Hon. E. P. 

Middleton, a prominent attorney of I'rbana and now judge of the 



43Q CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

court of common pleas, and was admitted to the bar December 7. 1893. 
In June, 1894, lie opened a law office in Saint Paris, Ohio. On the 6th 
of October, of the same year, he was nominated by the Republicans as 
their candidate for the office of prosecuting- attorney for Champaign 
county, receiving the nomination over five other candidates, and was 
elected on the 6th of November, following, receiving a plurality of 
twenty hundred and twenty-five votes over his competitors. On the 
2nd of November, 1897, he was re-elected without opposition, receiving 
more votes than any other candidate on either county or state ticket. 
He made a good record in the office, vigorously prosecuting felonious 
and malicious criminals, but discouraging a waste of public funds in 
where there was no probability of securing conviction. In June, 
1901, Governor George K. Nash appointed Mr. Deaton a member of 
the state hoard of pardons, commissioning him for a term of four years. 
Since January, 1895, he has been associated in the practice of law as a 
partner of George Waite and this firm has gained a large and desirable 
clientage, being regarded as one of the strongest law firms in the county. 
As a lawyer Mr. Deaton lias won a most enviable reputation. A student 
by nature, thorough and painstaking in all litigation, he is also pos- 
sessed of superior gifts of oratory and is a formidable adversary in the 
court roi .in. 

In 1898 Mr. Deaton wedded Miss Mabel West, an accomplished 
lady, who was reared in Champaign county, ami their home is celebrated 
lor its generous hospitality. Fraternally Mr. Deaton is connected with 
Champaign Lodge. F. & A. M., and the Junior Order of American Me- 
chanics. Politically he lias always been an enthusiastic Republican and 
his campaign addresses have been received with interest and in many- 
places have often carried conviction to the minds of his auditors. For 
six years he served as treasurer of the Champaign county Republicaw 
cutive committee and was its chairman during the political campaign 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 431 

of 1901 and 1902. He has been the architect of his own fortunes. In 
early life he taught school and with the compensation thus received was 
enabled to further continue his own education and make preparation 
for entering the profession of law. With energy and determination lie 
has steadily advanced and for the gratifying success he has achieved de- 
serves no little praise. Of a generous nature, genial and agreeable he 
makes friends readily and is a most popular and honored resident of 
Urban a. 



(' \i.Kr. JONES, M. D. 

For many years an active factor in the professional life of Saint 
Paris and Champaign county, Dr. Jones has gained a wide reputation 
as a physician of skill and ability. He was born in Piqua, Ohio, June 
2, 1851, and on the paternal side is of Welsh descent. His grandfather, 
Caleb Jones, was a blacksmith by trade, as was also his son. William 
\. The latter was a native of Ohio, and for many years was employed 
in making the irons for the locks on the Miami canal. He married 
Delilah (oats, whose father. David Coats, was a millwright and a mem- 
ber of the Quaker faith. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Jones was 
celebrated in 1850. and they became the parents of two children, and the 
daughter. Mary Ellen, is now the wife of Wallace Williams and resides 
in ( )bio Cit\ , Ohio. 

Caleb Jones, whose name introduces this review, received his early 
education in the common schools of his native comity, while later he 
enjoyed superior advantages in the Piqua high school and afterward 
received the Chautauqua course, in which he now holds a diploma. De- 
siring to enter the practice of medicine as a life occupation, he accord- 
ingly began study under the preceptorship of Dr. William Goodlove, 



432 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

of M'ontra, Shelby enmity, Ohio, who continued as his instructor for 
three years, on the expiration of which period he attended lectures 
in the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery, graduating therein 
in the class of [876. He began the practice of his chosen profession at 
Harper. Logan count}', and on the J 3th of February, 1877. he came 
to Saint Paris, where, in partnership with A. Musselman, he embarked 
in the drug business, the firm of Jones & Musselman succeeding that of 
Brown & Henderson. This relationship continued for a period of twelve 
years, after which Mr. Jones became associated with Dr. W. S. Cx, 
now deceased, in the drug business and the practice of medicine for rive 
year-, -nice which time the business has been carried on under the firm 
name of Jones & Hunt. In the year iqoo Dr. Jones was appointed 
United States pension examiner for Champaign county, and he is now 
president of the board. In October of the same year he was made 
president and medical director of Parkhurst Willow Bank Institute, of 
Saint Pari-. This institution was established December 1, 1900, by J. 
E. McMorran, M. L. Bull, AI. VV. Thomas, C. II. Darnell and C. Jones, 
the latter being the medical director in charge and president of the asso- 
ciation, lie abandoned a lucrative practice to give his undivided atten- 
tion to those seeking relief from alcoholic drinks. The sanitarium is a 
modern and commodious structure, well adapted to the purpose for 
which it was designed, and its appointments are all that could be de- 
sired In the building are large reception room-, a reading room, labora- 
tory and offices, in fact everything for the comfort of the patients, repro- 
ducing in a large measure the convenience- of home 

On tin- 25th of January. 1S7J, Dr. Jones was united in marriage 
t' Mi-- Sadie Morris, and they became the parents of three children, — 
Mamie. Xerxes and Foster. The wife and mother was called to the 
home beyond in October, [879, and in October. 1880. the Doctor mar- 
ried Mi-- Julia A. Goodin, the eldest of four daughters bom unto David 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 433 

and Hattie A. Goodin. Six children have blessed the union of Dr. and 
Mrs. Jones, namely: Cecil V., < >asis < \., Caleb, Tracy. Inita and Lowell. 
The Republican party receive- the Doctor's support and co-operal 
and he has been elected president of all the Republican clubs organized 
in Saint Paris. He is a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal 
church. In his social relations he is past district deputy grand master of 
Saint Paris Lodge. Xo. 246, I. O. O. F. ; also past district deputy grand 
chancellor and past representative of Saint Paris Lodge, No. 344. K. 
of P.: past master of Pharos Lodge, No. 355. F. & A. M. ; and past 
patriarch of Russell Encampment. No. 141. Throughout the years 
which mark the period of Dr. Jones' professional career he has met with 
gratifying success and is recognized as one of the talented members of 
the profession in the state. He has always stood boldly forth as trie 
champion of progress, and his influence has been exerted at all times on 
the side of right and truth. 

Dr. Jones is the author of a volume entitled '"Drunkenness or 
Modern Ideas on the Liquor Habit," which ha- recently been issued. 
The volume consists of one hundred and sixty-four pages and has al- 
readv attracted a liberal sale. 



AZRO SMITH. 



The ancestors of Azro Smith a- far back as their history can be 
traced are noted for their sterling trail- of character. Thomas Smith, 
his paternal great-grandfather, was born in England, but between 1730 
and 1740 crossed the Atlantic to the new world, locating in Hadlev, 
Massachusetts. His son. Sylvanus Smith, was a native of Connecticut, 
as was also the latter's second wife, whose maiden name was Amy 



434 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

Sprague, and they became the grandparents of our subject. Both passed 
away in their native state. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. 
probably serving with the Connecticut troops, in which he held the 
office of ensign. 

Sylvanus Smith, Jr., the father of our subject, was one of the two 
final settlers in Champaign county, the journey from Vermont to 
this state having been made in a one-horse wagon, and they arrived here 
in October, [816, after two months spent upon the road. He was 
accompanied by his brother Samuel and family. In the fall oi 1819 
they took up land on the present site of Woodstock, where they 
erected cabins and there made their home until the following April. 
Sylvanus Smith proved himself a very useful man in that earl} day. 
and creditably filled the office of justice of the peace for thirty years, 
while for a longer period he filled the position of township treasurer, 
also holding other local offices. He was a well educated man for that 
day, was an excellent mathematician and grammarian and always kept 
in touch with progressive movements. On first coming to the county 
he purchased one hundred acres ol land, the purchase price being three 
hundred dollars, and later became the owner of one hundred acres ad- 
joining, for which he paid six hundred dollars, while still later a third 
tract of one hundred acres was added to the homestead, the latter c< I 
ing twelve hundred dollars. Both he and his wife were members of the 
Universalist church, thev having assisted in the organization of the 
church of that denomination in this county in 1840, but it was not until 
[844 that the first church edifice was built. In his early life he gave his 
political support to the Whig party, and after the organizatii n of the 
new Republican party became a supporter of it- principles. During the 
war ''I 1812 he served with the minute men from Vermont, partici- 
pating in the battle of Plattsburg, on Lake Champlain, and for his serv- 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 435 

ices received a month's pay forty years afterward, while later he was 
given, a land warrant for Kansas land. 

On the 2d of April. 1812, Mr. Smith married Thankful Kelsey, 
and one child. Hiram, was born to them before their journey to the 
Buckeye state, his birth occurring on the 2d of January, 1814. Mrs. 
Smith was a daughter of Giles and Elizabeth (Post) Kelsey, formerly 
of Xew Hampshire and later of Vermont. The father, who was a Revo- 
lutionary hero, subsequently made his way to Ohio and for a time made 
his home with his son-in-law. He now lies buried in the Trieles Creek 
burying ground. His three son. Josiah, Nathan and Stephen, came to 
Champaign county in an early day, and here they made their home for 
many years. Nathan and Josiah both died in Union county, Ohio, and 
Stephen was a soldier in the war of 1812, participating in the battle of 
Platlsburg. His death occurred in this county. Six children were born 
to Mr. and Mrs. Smith after their arrival in the Buckeye state, — Myron 
G.. Richard S., Lorena E., Samuel G.. Azro and Andrew J., but with 
the exception of Azro the family are all now deceased. Sylvanus Smith 
was called to his final rest on the 12th of July, 1872. at the age of 
eighty-four vears, eight months and twenty days. His wife. who was 
born June 29, 1791, at Newport, Connecticut, passed away December 24, 
1876. 

Azro Smith was born in Champaign county, Ohio, August 20. i8_'S. 
and was reared amid the wild scenes of pioneer life. The education 
which he received in the common schools of the neighborhood was sup- 
plemented by a course of study in a select school at Woodstock, and later 
for one vear he was a student in Antioch College, but illness compelled 
him to abandon further study. In 1840, at the age of twenty years, he 
in entered the school room as an instructor, his first work along that 
line being in the public schools of DeWitt and McLean counties. Illinois, 
where he taught for three winter terms. Returning to his old home in 



43& CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

Champaign county in 1853, he here followed teaching during the winter 
months, while through the summer seasons he assisted in the work oi the 
farm, thus continuing until his marriage, which occurred on the 9th 
of March, [859, Miss Mary [nskeep becoming his wife. She is a daugh- 
ter of William and Kittura (Warner) [nskeep. After this event Mr. 
Smith abandoned the work of the school room to take up the duties of 
farm life, and from that time until a few years ago he was numbered 
among the leading agriculturists of Champaign county. In 1890 he 
removed to Humboldt county, towa, where he purchased two hundred 
and forty-five acres of land, and there made his home fur the following 
five years, on the expiration of which period he returned to his native 
county and has since lived in quiet retirement at Woodstock. He has 
ever 1 ccupied a front rank among the leading and progressive citizens 
of the community, and has been hundred with all the offices within the 
gift of his township, having served as its clerk, trustee, assessor and as 
a justice of the peace. 

The union of Mr. and Mrs. Smith has been blessed with seven 
children, namely: Lillian T., the wife of A. J. Harlan, of Lincoln 
county. Kansas: Arthur, who resides in Grant county, Minnesota; Ora 
A., als of that county; Lucy, the wife of E. C. Hudson, of Champaign 
county; Kitty, the wife of Charles Rice, of Bowling Green, Ohio; 
Edith, the wife of Clay McClurg, of Tiffin, Ohio; and Ethel, the wife of 
A. J. Greenwald, als.. of Bowling Green. Mrs. Smith is a member of 
the Uhiversalist church, and in his fraternal relations Mr. Smith is 
identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Woodstock 
Lodge, Xo. if.-, which he joined in [853. Since the formation of the 
Republican part} he has stanchly upheld its principles, and during the 
* nil war, in [864, he enlisted for one hundred days' service in Com- 
pany I). One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. 
Hi- services were principally in Virginia, where he was engaged in 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 437 

picket duty m the vicinity of Petersburg. The regiment served twenty 
days over its term of enlistment, and was mustered out at Camp Chase, 
Columbus, on the 29th of August. 18(14. Mr. Smith leaving the ranks 
as a first lieutenant. After his return home he received a captain's 
commission in the Fourth Regiment. National Guards, with which he 
was identified both before and after his regular service. A few facts 
concerning the uncles of our subject will prove of interest. Justin lived 
in Vermont and had a large family, which is now scattered over the 
Union. Vann also lived in Vermont and reared a large family. Philip 
moved to Ohio in 1835, and died when over eighty years of age. Sam- 
uel is noticed in the sketch of Joseph Chamberlain in another part of 
this volume. Jesse was a soldier in the war of 1812 and afterward 
went in Michigan. Stillman was also a soldier in [812 and was killed 
by a cannon hall at Niagara. Lester was married in Vermont, came to 
Ohio in [828, reared a family and died when over seventy years of age. 
Dexter, the youngest, came to Ohio about 1830. reared a family and died 
in this state. 

♦-•-* 

MASKELL E. MORGAN. 

Maskell E. Morgan, who resides in King's Creek. Salem township, 
was born on the 4th of February, 1830. in the township which is still 
his place of residence. His father. Edward L. Morgan, was horn in 
Ohio county. Virginia, and was a son of John Morgan, also a native 
oi that count}-, and. in the year 1813 came to Ohio, taking up his abode 
in Champaign county, where he was recognized as a leading and influ- 
ential citizen at an early date. He served as justice of the peace for 
many years and was celebrated for his impartiality and his fidelity to 
duty. He was of Scotch and Welsh descent. 



43 « CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY, 

Edward L. Morgan, the father of our subject, arrived in Cham- 
paign county in 1X13. He was then a young man and sought better 
business opportunities in the west than could be found in the old district 
in which he had been reared. In Salem township be entered land from 
the government, securing a tract in section 3. With characteristic en- 
erg) he began the development of a farm and as the year- passed the 
well tilled fields brought forth excellent crops. In politics he was prom- 
inent and was a recognized leader in public thought and action. Three 
times he was chosen to represent his district in the state legislature, 
and to each question which came up for settlement he gave his earnest 
consideration, casting his ballot in the way be thought best calculated 
to advance the interests of bis commonwealth. He left the impress of 
bis individuality upon the legislation enacted during his service and 
well does he deserve to be numbered among the men of prominence in 
the earh history of Ohio. He also served as associate judge in an early 
day. His political support was first given to the Whig party and upon 
it- dissolution he cast bis right of suffrage independently, and having" 
voted for Abraham Lincoln and every man who in his judgment was the 
best man. His death occurred when he was about eighty-three years of 
age. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Susan Earsom, was born in 
I lamp-hire county, Virginia, and there passed the days of girlhood. She 
came with her parents to Champaign county and was here married to Mr. 
Morgan. Her father, Simon Earsom!, was a native of the Old Domin- 
ion and in pioneer times became connected with the development of this 
portion of the Buckeye state. He was a farmer by occupation and was 
of German descent. I lis daughter. Mrs. Morgan, died in the fifty- 
ninth year of her age. By her marriage -he became the mother of eight 
children, five sons and three daughters, but our subject and In- brother 
are now the onlj ones living. 

Maskell E. Morgan was the eldest sun and second child in the 



CEXTEXXIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 439 

family. When about six years of age he began his education in a log 
school house in Salem township. It was a primitive structure, the light 
being admitted through greased paper windows, while the seats were 
made of slabs and the writing desks formed by placing a number of 
pins driven into the wall. His primary education, however, was sup- 
plemented by study in I'rbana and in Delaware. Ohio, ami be thus be- 
came a well informed man. being equipped for teaching. He entered 
upon that profession when twenty years of age and followed it during the 
winter months for about twenty-one years. During two winters he was 
employed as a teacher in the schools of Urbana. During the summer 
months he devoted his attention to farming and surveying. His father 
was a practical surveyor and had filled the office of county surveyor 
for a number of years, so that our subject was well drilled in this work. 
He became a practical and progressive representative of that department 
of labor and also had a broad and comprehensive knowledge of the sci- 
ence of surveying. 

On the 6th of March, 1861, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. 
Morgan and Miss Sarah A. Powell, a native of Champaign county, and 
a daughter of Timothy and Margaret (Taylor) Powell. The former 
was a native of Kentucky and the latter of Virginia. They became 
earl_\- settlers of Champaign count}', taking up their abode in Salem 
township after their marriage. In their family were nine children, 
Mrs. Morgan being the eighth in order of birth. She was reared and 
educated in Champaign count}-. Our subject and bis bride began their 
domestic life upon the old home farm in Salem township, where they 
resided for thirty-nine years, during which time he devoted his energies 
ti agricultural pursuits, surveying and teaching, thus providing a com- 
fortable home for his family. Five children were born unto them, but 
Edward L. and Mary E. are now deceased. Eliza is the wile of bred 



44 o CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

M. Madden, of Salem township; Emma E. is the widow of Perry G. 
Ream and William E. married Alpha Williams. 

Mr. Morgan gives his political support to the Democracy and has 
been honored with a number of local offices, having served as trustee 
for seven years and as assessor for three years, while at the present time 
he is deputy county surveyor. He is also a prominent Mason, having 
attained to the Knight Templar degree, member of Raper Conrmandery, 
No. i'). and in his life exemplifies the beneficent spirit of the craft. His 
career has been a busy and useful one. He has promoted the intel- 
lectual activity in his count)' and in all departments of business with 
which he has been connected has shown himself to be thorough and 
trustworthy. 



CHARLES M. GANSON. 

I he history of Urbana would be incomplete without mention of the 
Hon. Charles H. Ganson, so inseparably has his life record been inter- 
woven with the annals of this municipality and of Champaign county. 
! fonored and respected by all, he has long been a leader in public thought 
and opinion and his efforts have been of material benefit in the upbuild-' 
ing and progress of bis city. He was born here October 19, 1836, and 
is a son of William !l. and Anulette F. (Toxey) Ganson, both of whom 
were natives of Pennsylvania, the former having been born in Chester 
the latter in Lancaster county. They were married in the Key- 
st One state and after about a year came to Ohio, making the journey 
overland. Taking up their abode in Urbana, they spent their remaining 
day> IK ac with tin- exception of a period of about four years durino- 
the boyhood of our subject, when they lived on a farm in this county. 
The father was at firsl engaged in agricultural pursuits and afterward 




CHARLES H. GAKSON. 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 443 

turned his attention to carriage manufacturing, which he followed for 
a numba of years. He next engaged in the livery business, in which 
he was succeeded by Mr. Ganson of this review. In his business under- 
takings he met with a fair degree of success. His political support 
was given the Democracy in ante-bellum days and later he joined the 
ranks of the Republican party. He held membership in the Reform 
Presbyterian church, to which his wife also belonged. Her death oc- 
curred in 184; and he passed away in 1881 at the venerable age of 
eighty years. In their family were five children: Charles H. ; William 
M., of Illinois: Benjamin F., of Urbana; Anna E. and Emma. 

With the exception of a short period spent upon the farm Charles 
11. Ganson passed the days of his boyhood and youth in his native city. 
enjoyiug the privileges offered by the public-school system. When 
twenty years of age, however, he removed to Illinois and spent ten 
years in the west, there engaged in farming. On the expiration of 
that period he returned to Urbana and became his father's successor in 
the livery business, which he still continues, although his efforts have 
not been confined to one line, for he is a man of liberal business ability 
and his labors have been potent elements in the successful conduct of 
many industries and enterprises. In connection with his stable^ he 
has been for many years extensively engaged in buying and selling 
horses. For thirty years Major Thomas McConnell, now deceased, was 
his partner. He has freciuently been associated in his business under- 
takings with his brother, 13. E. Ganson. and such relations are now 
existing between them, being a member of the firm of C. H. Ganson & 
Company, and also of the firm of McConnell & Company, thus being 
interested in the ownership of two stables. He also has large and val- 
uable farming interests, owning and operating arable land in both Ohio 
and Illinois. He has a valuable farm of five hundred acres located 
twenty miles south of Peoria. Illinois, in one of the richest districts 

23 



444 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

o] that splendid agricultural state. He is also president of and a large 
stockholder in the Urbana Electric Light & Power Company. What- 
ever he undertakes he carries forward t<> successful completion, brook- 
ing no obstacles that can lie overcome by prudence and honorable effort 
and to-day he occupies a commanding position in business circles, not 
alone <>n account of hi- keen discernment and unfaltering industry, but 
; Iso because of the honorable methods he has ever followed. 

In 1857 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Cans. in and Miss Jen- 
nie Rawalt, of Canton. Illinois, and their home has been blessed with 
two children: Emma audi Jonas Randolph. He is connected with the 
Masonic fraternity and the Knights of Pythias lodge, and is a con- 
sistent member and liberal contributor to the Swedenborgian church. 
11C deep interest in agricultural affairs has long been manifested in 
helpful lines, and for twenty years he has been honored with the presi- 
dency of the Champaign County Agricultural Society, which has largely 
benefited by In- eff irts in it- behalf. He has also been president from 
the beginning — a period of ten years — of the Mad River & Miami Fair 
Circuit now composed of fourteen fairs. Along these lines he has done 
everything in hi- power to stimulate pride in agricultural and stock 
raising interests, and his labors have resulted largel) to the benefit of 
the fanner. In politics he C a pronounced Republican and no one 
1 er question his position, for while lie is never bitterly aggressive 
he never fears to -late with clearness his belief. He has been honored 
with public office, including that of alderman, having keen a member 
of the cit) council of Urbana for live years, while for three years of that 
1 he was its presiding officer, lii- record as mayor is unparalleled 
in the histon of the city, for through sixteen year- he ha.- been the 
chief executive of [Jrbana. He filled this office for some years and 
then after an interval of two years was again chosen and continued 
chiei executive until [898. when he retire 1 from office as he had 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 445 

entered it, with the confidence and good will of all concerned. His 
administration has ever been practical and progressive, has brought 
many needed reforms ami improvements and he has ever exercised his 
official prerogatives for the benefit of the public and not for self-ag- 
grandizement. Over the record of bis public career and private life 
there tails no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil and justly does 
he deserve the confidence and respect which is uniformly accorded him. 



.-■ 



JAMES F. McILVAINE. 

Upon a farm in section 31, Salem township, resides James F. Mc- 
llvaine, who is a worthy representative of the great department of labor 
tji which George Washington said: "Agriculture is the most useful 
as well as the highest occupation of man." He was born in Salem 
township, on the 26th of April, 1845, ;mi ' comes of an old Kentucky 
family. His paternal grandfather, Samuel Mcllvaine, resided in the 
lllue Grass state and thinking to more rapidly acquire a competence he 
removed to Ohio, settling in Champaign county, about 1808. in the pio- 
neer epoch of its history. Here he entered land from the government, 
becoming the owner of a tract in Salem township, upon which not a 
furrow had been cultivated, but his unremitting diligence soon wrought 
a transformation and bis farm is to-day a valuable and productive one.' 
Moses Mcllvaine. the father of our subject, was bom in Kentucky, ami 
was a youth of nine summers when he accompanied bis parents to Ohio. 
He soon understood just what all the hardships and privation as well 
as the pleasures of pioneer life were, and he assisted in the arduous 
task of developing a new farm and continued to earn ■ <n agricultural 
pursuits until his death, which occurred when he was sixty-seven years 



446 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

, ,f age. He had passed almost his entire life in Champaign county. He 
attended and supported the Christian church of West Liberty and in his 
political views was first a Wing and then a Republican. The mother 
of our subject bore the maiden name of Sarah Black, and she, too, 
was horn in Kentucky, a daughter of Alexander Black, who became 
one of the first settlers of Champaign county, arriving here about [809. 
.Mr. and Mrs. Mcllvaine made their home in Salem township, where 
they spent their entire lives from the time of their marriage until they 
were called to the home beyond. Their union was blessed with six sons 
and four daughters, and of this family our subject is the youngest and 
the 1 'iilv 1 me n< >w living. 

In the township of his nativity James F. Mcllvaine was reared and 
educated. At the usual age he entered the district school in a log build- 
in-, where the furnishings were primitive and the methods of instruc- 
tion almost equally so. He was' thus engaged until he had mastered the 
common branches of English learning. His training at farm labor, 
however, was not neglected, for he assisted in the cultivation and im- 
provement of the old homestead farm. In 1X72 he married Emma 
Donovan, a native of Franklin county, Ohio, and a daughter of Joseph 
and Harriel Donovan, who was reared in Franklin county. 

The young couple began their domestic life upon the old farm 
homestead and thence came to their present home in Salem township, 
where Mr. Mcllvaine is successfully carrying on agricultural pursuits, 
lie thoroughly understands farm work- in all its departments, giving his 
ttention to the crops best adapted to the climate, and his efforts have 
resulted in bringing to him a well merited prosperity, lie is one of 
the stockhi lders of the Farmers' Bank of West Liberty and also owns 
property in that town. I lis farm comprises one hundred and forty-two 
acres of land, and his attention to the cultivate n id' cereals best adapted 



CEXTEXXLIL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 447 

in the climate, as well as his success in the raising of stuck, have brought 
him good returns. 

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Mcllvaine has been blessed with three 
children: Arthur Burleigh, who is cashier of the Farmers' Dank of 
West Liberty; Hattie, deceased, and Harry, at home. Mr. Mcllvaine 
exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures 
of the Republican party and he is one of its leading representatives in 
the county. He has spent his entire life in Salem township, covering 
a period, of fifty-seven years, and his course has been honorable and 
straightforward, gaining for him the respect of all with whom he has 
been associated. He has placed his dependence upon industry, persever- 
ance and determination, seeking- no outside aid or influence and in his 
business career has steadily advanced from a humble financial position 
ti ■ i me of affluence. 



JOHN A. SEA/TON. 

For many years a representative agriculturist of Champaign count v. 
honored and respected in every class of societv, Mr. Seaton has long 
been a leader in thought and action in the public life of bis community. 
He was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, August 7. 1829. His 
father. William Seaton, was a native of the north of Ireland, and about 
[828 crossed the Atlantic to America, locating in Lancaster county, 
Pennsylvania, where he followed his trade of a stone-mason for some 
time and afterward embarked in the mercantile business in Washington 
county, that state. In 1847 he took up his abode in Adams county, 
Ohio, ami there devoted bis attention to agricultural pursuits until his 
death, which occurred at the age of sixty years. He gave his political 
support to the Democratic party, and religiously was a member of the 



44 S CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

United Presbyterian church. In his native land he was united in mar- 
riage to Jane Patterson, also a native of the north of Ireland, and her 
death occurred at the age of forty years. This worthy couple were 
the parents of six children, five daughters and a son. hut the daughters 
are all deceased. 

John A. Seaton, the only -on in the above family, was hut one year 
old when he was taken by his parents to Washington county, Pennsyl- 
vania, ami there he remained until his seventeenth year, during which 
time he attended the public schools and assisted in his father's store. 
Accompanying his parents on their removal to Adams county, Ohio, he 
there remained until [853, and from that time until 1856 made his home 
in Champaign county. In the latter year he went to Illinois, and after 
spending a year in Hancock and other comities in that state returned 
to his parents' home in Adams county, Ohio. In 1861, at the outbreak 
of the Civil war. he nobly offered his services to the Union cause, and 
as a member of Company I, Thirty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. 
served as a loyal soldier for two years and ten months. During this 
period, he was sent to St. Louis. Missouri, where he remained for three 
weeks, when, under the command of General Fremont, he was ordered 
with his regiment to follow Price through Missouri. In the fall of 
[86] our subject became ill at Chillicothe, Missouri, and was ordered 
to the hospital at Ouincy, Illinois. When sufficiently recovered he was 
there made master of the convalescent ward, after which he was pro- 
moted to the position of acting steward, and in [863 received the ap- 
pointment of regimental hospital stew aid. serving in the last named 
ition until his discharge. In the city of Quincy. [llinois, in [863, he 
was married to Eliza Jane Wallace, but after a happy married life of 
only nine months she was called to her final rest. In [864 Mr. Seaton 
returned to Adams county. Ohio, where he was employed in a store 
lor a tune, .mil in [866 came to Champaign county. ( hi his arrival here 



CENTEX X 7. IL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 449 

he located in Salem township, where he has ever since devoted his atten- 
tion to farming and stock-raising. 

In 18(16. in Champaign county, he was united in marriage to Sarah 
Stewart, born on King's creek, in Salem township, and a daughter of 
Mathew Stewart. Two sons were born of this union. — Mathew Stewart. 
who married Effie Pearce and makes his home with his father, and 
Charles William, at home. The wife and mother was called to the home 
beyond on the 1st of January, [902, when she had passed the age of 
three score years and ten. Throughout the years of his manhood Mr. 
Seaton has given an unfaltering support to the principles of the Repub- 
lican party, and on its ticket in 1893 was elected to the position of county 
infirmary director, continuing an incumbent in that office for six years. 
For a perit id of five years he served his township with efficiency as trus- 
tee, and one year before his term of office expired he resigned that posi- 
tion to again take up the duties of county infirmary director. He has 
also served as a school director for nine years. He maintains pleasant 
relations with his old army comrades of the blue by his membership 
with W. A. Brand Post, G. A. R., of Urbana. 



JAMES A. LEE. 



James A. Lee is a prominent, progressive and intelligent farm 
Mad River township, Champaign county, residing on section 14. He 
was born in this township. March 17. 1852. His father. William Lee. 
was a native of Berkeley county, Virginia, born March 25, 1810, and 
when only three years old was brought by his parents to Champaign 
county, lli- father. John Lee. was also a native of the Old Dominion, 
and in the year 1813 emigrated westward to Ohio, becoming one of 
the pioneer settlers of this portion of the state. He took up hi- abode 



45o CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

in the midst of the grown forest, where he developed an excellent farm, 
upon which he spent his remaining days. His remains were then in- 
terred in the old cemetery near the Children's Home north of Urbana. 
It was in Mad River township that William Lee was reared and edu- 
cated. He lost his father when only about six years old and his mother 
then came to this township, settling in the midst of the forest, upon a 
farm new owned by Le Roy Bowers. There she reared her four sons 
and one daughter, of win mi William Lee was the second in order of 
birth. Throughout his remaining days he was identified with agricult- 
ural interests in Mad River township and through seventy-five years he 
traveled life's journey an honored and respected man. After arriving 
at year.- of maturity he married Susanna Blose, who was hum in Vir- 
ginia and. with her parents came to Champaign county, the family set- 
tling in Mad River township during her early girlhood. Her father, 
Rim Blose, was born in \ irginia and in pioneer days became an active 
factor in the early development of tins portion of the state. I lis daugh- 
ter. Air- l.ee. died in her sixty-ninth year. By her marriage she had 
become the mother of fifteen children, six sons and nine daughters, all 
of whom reached years of maturity, with the exception of two sons that 
died in infancy. < >f the remainder only one had passed away before the 
death of the mother. 

James A. l.ee is the youngest son and twelfth child. He was reared 
in Mad River township and the district schools afforded him his educa- 
privileges, while his training at farm work was received in field 
and meadow. On the 2nd of February, 1881, was celebrated his mar- 
1 ti Rachel R. Dredge, who was born in Springfield township. 
Clark county, Ohio, March 15. [858, her parents being John and Fran- 
ces (Wingert) Dredge, both of whom were natives ,,1' Pennsylvania, in 
which sime they were reared and married, coming thence to Clark 
county, ( )!uo. in the war [853. The father was a miller by occupation. 




JrLH.&z*J t 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 453 

Airs. Lee was their fifth child and third daughter and in Clark county 
she was reared and educated, completing her studies in the high school 
at Lawrenceville, after which she engaged in teaching for about two 
years. The Lee home is one of the best residences in the township and 
was erected in 1890. It was planned and designed by our subject and 
is a monument to his architectural skill as well as to his business thrift. 
He has one hundred and six acre- of land under a high state of cultiva- 
tion ant! in connection with general farming is engaged in the manufac- 
ture of butter. Mr. and Airs. Lee have no children of their own. but 
have reared two children, who are now married and at the present time 
they have a boy living with them, Eugene Gudten. who will be taken 
care of by our subject. Wilber Falk, whom our subject reared, is now 
married to F. F. Cook. He also reared Elba Shrader, who married 
Samuel Edwards, and they .at present have no children. Mr. Lee gives 
his political support to the Democracy and has been a member of the 
school board for several years. His wife is a member of Brethren in 
Christ church and both are highly esteemed throughout the community, 
where their circle of friends is almost co-extensive with their circle of 
acquaintances. 



JOHN H. CLARE, M. D. 

A name inseparably associated with the highest development of 
medical science in Champaign county is that of John 11. Clark, who 
was born on a farm in Union township, this county, September 28, [829, 
and died in Mechanicsburg, the city for whose all around well being- 
he had so faithfully labored, in 1901. 

Stephen Clark, the father .if John II., was one of the very first 
white children born in Champaign county, whither his parent-. John 



454 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

and Phcebe (Mintern) Clark, had removed from New Jersey at a very 
i .!! I- day. The family is of English descent, and the emigrating ancestor 
came to \merica long before the Revolutionary war. Stephen Clark 

a farmer by occupation, and spent his early life in Ohio, although 
he eventually removed to Illinois, and died there at the age of sixty-two 
years. He married Hannah Jones, also a native of Champaign county, 
and a daughter of Abraham and Mrs. i Howard) Jones, Quakers from 
Pennsylvania, and pioneers of this county. Of the children born to 
Stephen Clark and his wife, John H. was perhaps the most ambitious, 
his natural energy and aggressiveness being evinced on the home farm 
when he was yet a boy. He attended the public schools of his neigh- 
borhood, and later the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware. Ohio, 
and his professional training was received at the Starling Medical Col- 
lege, at Columbus, Ohio, from which he graduated in 1853. His first 
practice was undertaken at Mutual, in his native county, and in 1859 
he located in 1 'ecatur, Illinois, removing two years later to his permanent 
home in VTechanicsburg. During the Civil war the Doctor served for 
three months on the United Stales Sanitary Commission, and from 
March 1. [874, until May of iS;f>, he was medical superintendent of 
the Asylum for the Insane at Dayton, Ohio. With the exception of 
these two absences Dr. Clark had been continuously associated with pro- 
fessional work in Mechanicsburg, and he arose to n truly enviable posi- 
tion as a physician and surgeon. He was ;i member of the Champaign 
County and Ohio State Medical Societies, as well as the American 
Medical Association, and was an occasional contributor to medical jour- 
nals. In [870 he was president of the County Medical Society. In 
political affiliation he was a Democrat, and he was a member of the 
Episcopal church. Fraternally he was associated with the Masons. 

In [852 Dr. (lark married Elenor, daughter of William Williams, 
a most estimable pioneei of Champaign count}-. .Mr. William- 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 455. 

born in Maryland March 30, [Sio. a sun of John W. and Eleanor 1 De 
Vail ) Williams, natives of Maryland, and of Welsh and French descent 
respectively. In 183/j Mr. Williams married Ann Clegett, born in 
Maryland in 1S11, and sunn after their marriage the parents came to 
Champaign county, where the father engaged in mercantile business in 
Mechanicsburg with considerable success. His wife died in 1862, and 
In- second wife was formerly Elizabeth Boswell. Mr. Williams died 
in 1887. and his wife died a few years after. He was a member of the 
Methodist Episcopal church, and a stanch believer in Republican prin- 
ciples. The count}' contained no more honored or respected citizen. 
Mrs. Clark, who survives her husband, has one son living. William 
by name, who is now operating in the lead and zinc mines of Missouri. 
1)r. Clark was president of the Farmers' Bank at Mechanicsburg For 

many years. 

— ■ — ■» ■ » 

CAPT. CHARLES WARREN GUY. 

Captain Charles W. Guy, a prominent representative of the busi- 
ness interests of Mechanicsburg and a member of the Farmers' Elevator 
Company, was born in Madison county, Ohio, November 8, 1843, anc ' ' s 
a son of William and Adelaide (Fullington) Guv. whose history will 
be found in the sketch of F. A. Guy in this volume. Our subject was 
reared to years of maturity in Pike township, Madison county, Ohio, 
and in its public schools he received the educational advantages which 
U was his privilege to enjoy in "his youth, while later he became a student 
in the Mechanicsburg high school and the Delaware University. When 
eighteen years of age. in [862, he voluntarily offered his service for three 
years to the Union cause, entering the army as a member of Company 
D, Sixty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He entered the ranks as a pri- 



456 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

vale, but for meritorious conduct on the field of battle was soon pro- 
moted to the position of first sergeant, later was made first lieutenant 
of Company G, and subsequently became captain of Company K, serving 
in the latter capacity until his discharge from the service at the close 
of the struggle in 7865. During his military career he participated in 
the hard-fought battles oi the war in which his regiment took part. 
including those of Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Lookout Mountain, Mis- 
sionary Ridge, Ringold, Georgia, and was with Sherman on his cele- 
brated march to the sea. He was on duty continually from the time 
he entered the service until the struggle had passed, and during that 
rime, although he was ever in. the thickest of the light, he was never 
wounded or captured. He was ever found at his post of duty, loyally 
upholding the starry banner, and his war record is one of which he has 
every reason to he proud, having re-enlisted with the regiment in [864, 
thereby becoming a veteran soldier. 

Alter his return to the old homestead Mr. Guy at once resumed the 
labors of the farm, and is now the owner of his father's old homestead, 
which consists of two hundred and eighty acres, and he and his wife 
also own another tract of two hundred and twenty acres, which is the 
old Kennedv homestead. He continued to make his home in Pike 
township until [894, when he removed to Mechanicsburg and look charge 
of the Farmers' Elevator, of which he is now one of the stockholders 
and managers, and is also a stockholder and director in the Central 
Bank of Mechanicsburg. His reputation in all trade transactions is 
above question and to an unusual degree he enjoys the confidence and 
regard of those with whom lie has been brought in contact through busi- 
ness dealings. He is a close student of the questions and issue-, of the 
day. and his political support is given to the principles of the Republican 
party. While residing in Madison county he served for a time as a 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 457 

justice of the peace, and also as trustee of Tike township. For two 
years' he served as president of the school board of Mechanicsburg. 

The marriage of Mr. Guy was celebrated in 1879. when Miss 
Florence E. Kennedy became his wife. She, too, is a native of .Madison 
county and is a daughter of John H. and Abigail (Mitchell) Kennedy, 
who were members of pioneer families and large land owners of that 
county. Mrs. Guv is the eldest of their three children, and the knowl- 
edge which she receive! in the public schools of her native county was 
supplemented by a course in the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, 
Ohio, where she enjoyed superior advantages. By her marriage to Mr. 
Guv she lias become the mother of two children, a son and a daughter. 
! he elder. Earl \Y.. received his education in the Ohio State University 
at Columbus. Ohio, and is now assisting in the duties of the farm. The 
daughter. Irma Belle, is a graduate of the Mechanicsburg high school, 
of the Ohio Wesleyan University, of Delaware. ( >hio, and the Cincinnati 
School of Music. In his social relations Captain Guy is a member of 
the Stephen Baxter Tost. No. 88, of Mechanicsburg, of which he has 
been commander. He is also identified, with the Masonic fraternity, 
holding membership in the blue lodge, chapter and Raper Commandery 
of Urbana. He is a broad-minded, progressive man and a public-spirited 
citizen, and in all life's relations is found true to the duties of business 
and social life. 



~»- 



MRS. HESTER WEST. 

Mrs. Hester West, one of the most highly esteemed residents of 
Jackson township. Champaign county, is the widow of William West. 
The We:-t family has been identified with the history of Champaign 
county almost since it; :ation. The great-grand father of William 



458 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

West was governor of Maryland under the British crown, and the family 
is of English descent. The grandfather. Bye! West, was born in Alan- 
land, and was a soldier under "Washington throughout the peri' id of the 
Revolutionary war. He with three brothers served for seven years, and 
when they finally returned to their home they found that their parents 
had passed away in death. Stockwell West, the father, was born in 
Maryland in 1790, ami in tSoS he came with an uncle. Adamson Cow- 
hick, to Champaign county, Ohio, where they erected a small pole cabin 
at what is now Big Spring, on Honey creek, Jackson township. About 
1K12 the family located on another branch of Honey creek. Air. W'est 
took the place of a younger brother in the war of iSij, in which he 
served as a private, and during that struggle he assisted in building Fort 
McCarty. In this neighborhood the Indians murdered three men, and 
Air. West assisted in their burial. He spent nearly his entire life in 
Jackson township, and cleared and improved the farm now owned b) a 
Air. McCarty and others. He was a well known and influential resident 
ot his locality, and long served as a superintendent and trustee of his 
township. His political support was given the Whig party, and on the 
place where he had so long resided he passed away in death on the 4th 
of July, [852, dying in the faith of the Baptist church, of which be was 
a worthy and consistent member and for a long period served as deacon 
of the Honey creek church. 

On the 30th of May, r8i6, in Jackson township, Stockwell West 
was united in marriage to Elizabeth Merritt, a native of Virginia and a 
daughter of John and Margaret (Stroup) Merritt. The latter was born 
in Germany, her father having been a burgomaster there, and she was a 
very handsome woman. When a child she was brought by her mother 
to America. John Merritt was born in Virginia, where he was a mem- 
ber <>f a prominent old family, and about iSto he came to Champaign 
county, ( Ihio, where he entered nine quarter sections of land in Jackson 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 459 

township, which he afterward divided among his children, giving to each 
a quarter section and retaining the same aim unit for himself, lie was 
i of the oldest settlers of the locality, and his death occurred at the 
age oi ninety-two years. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Stockwell 
West located on the farm mi which Mrs. William West now resides, 
and there the father passed away at the age of sixty-two years, 1ml the 
mother reached the age of eighty-six years. This worthy couple became 
the parents of nine children, live sons and three daughters, namely: 
John, who died at the age of twenty-five years; William, who reached 
the good old age of eighty-four years; Sarah, who died at the age of 
twenty-four years; David, who passed away at the age of twenty-five 
years; James, deceased at the age 'if twenty-four years; Mary, who died 
at the early age of twenty-two years; Henry, a resident of Champaign 
county; and Jerry, the youngest •>!* the family. 

William West, the second son in the above family, was born in 
Jackson township, Champaign county, Ohio, Jul} - 13, [818, and in the 
place nf his birth lie spent his entire life. Throughout his active busi- 
ness career he Pillowed the tilling of the soil, and in his political views 
he was a Republican, having on its ticket been elected to many positions 
cl honor and trust. As a companion on the journey of life he chose 
Mi— Hester Grafton, who was also burn in Jackson township, Cham- 
paign county, November 18, [822. Her father. Ambrose Grafton, was 
a native of Virginia, and was one of the early pioneers of this county, 
lie. too, -was a farmer by occupation, and he lived to the age of seventy- 
nine years, lie married Elizabeth Kelley, also a native of the Old 
Dominion, but in her girlhood she was brought by her parents to ( Cham- 
paign county. They became the parents of thirteen children, of whom 
Mrs. West is the fourth in order of birth, and all were born in this 
county. In [848 Mrs. West gave her hand in marriage to William 
West, and they had three children. — John, who died at the age of live 



460 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

vears; George W., a farmer of Jackson township; and Henry C. who 

makes his home with his mother. The mother of this family has now 

reached the age of eighty years, and she still resides on the old West 

homestead in Jackson township, consisting of one hundred and sixty 

acres, the work of which is carried on by her sons. Her many admirable 

qualities and social nature render her popular among a large circle of 

friends in Jackson township. Mr. West was called from the scenes of 

earth's activities in 1900, but his memory is still enshrined in the hearts; 

of his many friends. 

• « » 

AARON B. FUNK. 

For more than two-thirds of a century Aaron B. Funk has been a 
resident of Champaign county, and his memory forms a connecting link 
between the primitive past and the progressive present, for he has not 
only watched with interest the progress of others, showing the trend of 
civilization and improvement, but has borne his part in the work of 
advancement. He now resides in section 23, Salem township, and it 
was in this township that his birth occurred on the 8th of October, 
1833. His father, Joel hunk, was a native of Maryland and was there 
reared, also spending a portion of his youth in Pennsylvania! The 
paternal grandfather, Jacob Funk, died in .Maryland or Pennsylvania. 
He was descended from one of the three brothers that came from Hol- 
land .11 a very early period in the history of this country and settled 
on the Atlantic coast. The father of our subject was married in Mary- 
land and there took up his abode, following the occupation of milling 
for some time, [n the year 1816 he arrived in < Hiio, coming to this 
state on a visit, bul being pleased with the prospect he returned to make 
it his permanent residence, in i8_'q. bringing his family. The journey 



o 

bd 
a 




to 

CO 

f 

IS) 
!> 

t3d 

W 

*! 




CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 463 

was made l>v teams and they were twenty-nine days in crossing the 
country. He settled in Salem township, where he secured a trad of 
wild land and began the development of a farm, and as the year-, ad- 
vanced this 'land returned to him an excellent income. There his remain- 
ing days were spent and he departed this life in [861, at the age ol 
seventy-two years. He was a very prominent member of the Methodist 
Episcopal church, active in its work and a liberal contributor to its sup- 
port. He voted the Whig ticket until the organization of the Union 
party, when he became a Republican and continued one of its earnest 
supporters until his demise. He filled the office of justice of the peace 
and was a delegate to the Baltimore convention that nominated Hell and 
Everett in J 860. His interest in politics was deep and sincere and as 
all American citizens should do he kept well informed concerning the 
issues of the day. Fie married Elizabeth Kanaga, a native of Penn- 
sylvania, where she was reared and married. She was brought up in 
the faith of the Mennonite church, but became a member of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal church. She lived to he about eighty-four year- 1 if age. 
Her father was Christopher Kanaga, who was of German lineage, and 
thus the blood of German and Holland ancestors flows in the vein- of 
our subject. His parents had a family of eight children, five of win mi 
readied adult age, three sons and two daughters, but only two of the 
number are now living, the sister being Mrs. Caroline Share, of Min- 
nesota. 

Mr. Funk, of this review, was the seventh child and fifth son and 
is the only representative of this family in the county. He was reared 
in his native township, pursuing his education in the log school house of 
the early days. He remained at home during the days of his youth, 
assisting in the cultivation and development of the home farm and thus 
his experience well fitted him to carry on agricultural pursuit- on his 
own account. 

24 



464 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

On ihe 13th of November, r86o, Mr. Funk was united in mar- 
riage to Sarah Russell, a native of Champaign county, who was born 
in Concord township January 31, 1836. Her parents were James and 
Julia (Mitchell) Russell. Her father was a native of Loudoun county. 
Virginia, and was about a year old when brought by his parents to 
Champaign county, Ohio, the former settling in Concord township. 
There he was married and made his home through most of his remaining 
days, but died in Salem township in 1807, at the ripe old age of eighty- 
five years. His wife reached even a more extreme old age, departing 
this life at the age of eighty-eight. In their family were nine children, 
of whom two are now living, Mrs. Funk and Mrs. Dellie Outran, who 
makes her home with her son in Salem township. Mrs. Funk was the 
second of the nine children and was reared in Concord township, the 
public schools of that locality furnishing her early educational privileges, 
and later she became a student in the school of Belle Fountain. 

Our subject and his wife began their domestic life upon the farm 
where they are still living. They have no children of their own, but 
have cared for some adopted children. Mr. Funk lias given his atten- 
tion to the conduct of his farm, which comprises one hundred and forty 
acres. He has also been engaged in the grain business, buying ami sell- 
ing grain to a considerable extent in connection with his farming opera- 
tions. His entire life has been passed in Salem township, with the 
exception of a period of seven years, during which time he was engaged 
in the grain and stock business in Urbana, when he rented bis farm. 
He is a stanch Republican, giving his unfaltering support to the prin- 
ciples of the party. As a member of the craft he belongs to King Creek 
Lodge, v. & A. M., which he joined at the time of its organization. He 
now has been a good Mason for forty-live years. For some years 
■previous he was a member of the West Libert}- Lodge in Logan county. 
He is identified through membership relations with the Methodist Fpis- 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 405 

copal church at Kings Creek is serving as one of its board of trustees 
and is a most active worker in its behalf, doing all in his power to pro- 
mote its growth and extend its influence. Mr. Funk has led a useful 
and upright life and has gained the high regard of young and old. rich 
anil poor. He is a worthy representative of an honorable pioneer family 
and at all times his career has been such as to reflect credit upon an 
untarnished family name. Abner Riddle was a nephew of .Mrs. Elizabeth 
.Mitchell. Mtv Arom being a cousin a third removed. The kiddles were 
a very old and honored family of Mifflin county, Pennsylvania. 



-+■—+ 



JOHN R. MOODY. 

The life history of him whose name heads this sketch is closely 
identified with the history of Champaign county, which has been his 
home throughout nearly his entire life. His career has been one of untir- 
ing activity, has been crowned with a degree of success, and none more 
than he deserves a fitting recognition among the men in this section of 
the state. 

Mr. Moody was born in Mechanicshurg. Ohio, June 3, 1S4S, a son 
of Moses U. and Mariah (Guy) Moody, the former a native of New 
Hampshire and the latter of Canada. The father came with his par- 
ents t'> Champaign county in a very early day, ami the mother's people 
were also among the pioneers of this locality, ami both became prominent 
and successful school teachers, teaching in both Madison and Champaign 
counties. Their marriage was celebrated in Madison county, and they 
became the parents of five children, our subject being the second child 
and only son. The father was called to his final rest at the age of fifty- 
three years, but the mother reached the age of three score years and ten. 

The educational advantages which Mr. Moody, of this review, re- 
ceived in his youth were those afforded hv the district schools of Union 



466 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

township, and after completing- his studies lie was for five years engaged 
in teaching in those same schools, while for one year he was employed 
in the school at Mutual. After his marriage he located on a farm in 
Union township, but after a time removed to Mechanicsburg. He car- 
ried on agricultural pursuits on the old home farm in Union township, 
there remaining- until the fall of 1891. when he removed to Schuyler 
county, Missouri. After a short residence there of two years he returned 
to the Buckeye state, locating on the farm which he now owns and occu- 
pies. His landed possessions now consist of one hundred and ninety 
acres, one hundred and fifty-seven of which are located in Union and the 
remainder in Goshen township. By close application and earnest labor 
he has worked his way steadily upward, until to-day he stands among 
the foremost representatives of agricultural interests in his section of 
the Buckeye state. 

In September. 1868, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Mo <1} 
and .Miss Serepta Bowen. She, too, is a native of Goshen township, 
Champaign county. Unto this union have been born four living chil- 
dren, as follows: Carl E., who is married and resides on a farm in 
Union township: Lula, the wife of Will Millice, a farmer of Goshen 
township; and Maggie and Laura, at home. In politics Mr. Moody is a 
stanch Republican and keeps well informed on the issues of the day. 
He has served his township as its trustee, and has ever taken an active 
interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of his locality. 



JOHN ENOCH. 



]olm Enoch, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Red- 
stone Fort, near Uniontown, Pennsylvania, August 2, 1773, when the 
Indians had it under siege. At the age of twent) he was married to 




fo4 *&C&4?o^ 






CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 469 

Miss Mary Tucker, of Elizabethtown, N T ew Jersey. In the fall of [797 
he descended the Ohio river in a flat-bottomed boat, landing at Fort 
Washington, now the city of Cincinnati. He settled on a farm near 
Middletown, Butler county, Ohio. It was at this place that the subject 
of this biography was born, in the territory of Ohio, on the 12th of 
June. [802, in a Buckeye cabin. In 1808 Mr. Enoch moved to a farm 
near Franklin, Warren county. Ohio, and built mills there. In the fall 
of 1810 he moved to a farm five miles west of Springfield, < >hio, near 
a small town called Xew Boston, the birthplace of the famous Shawnee 
Indian chief, Tecumseh. In the fall of 181 .1 he moved to his estate, 
comprising three thousand acres, in the Mad river and Macachuk val- 
lies, to the place where General A. S. Pratt's mill stands. In that day 
very few advantages of civilization were enjoyed by the settlers in this 
1' cality. Mr. Enoch sent his wheat to a mill on the site where the vil- 
lage of Kingston is situated, following an Indian trail, they being the 
only outlined paths in the country. The mill was operated by a Mr. 
Taylor. The prairie lues swept the country annually, destroying all 
vegetation. There was hut one habitation from Macachuk to Kingston, 
and that was a cabin occupied by a Mr. Smith. War was declared 
shortly after Mr. Enoch's arrival at Macachuk, which created great alarm 
among the settlers. Much of their property was pressed into the service 
and Mr. Enoch shared this misfortune largely with the other settlers. 
in tiie fall of 1813 he moved his family to Urbana, and resided in a 
two-story log house on the present site of Grace Methodist Episcopal 
church. In March. [814, he returned to .Macachuk. Tn 1815 he moved 
to the place where West Liberty is located and built a mill and resi 
deuce there, both of which are standing intact to-day. In 1N17 he 
gave the land and laid out the town, the plat being drawn by Thomas 
1 hompson. Previous to Mr. Enoch's arrival at Macachuk a great many 
Indians resided in tin's part of the state, representing the Shawnee. Seneca 



47° CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

and Wyandotte tribes. One of their towns was located on Mr. Enoch's 
estate, called Macachuk, situated a short distance from his home, on 
the site where Mr. Nash's residence stands. Wappafomica was sit- 
uated near the village of Zanesfield. These towns were deserted. when 
Mr. Enoch came to Macachuk. A mound is still distinguishable on 
Mr. Enoch's farm where the young warriors performed their athletic 
sports or tested the speed of their horses, while the older member- of 
the cribes sat on the mound to witness and pass judgment on their 
skill and dexterity. At the declaration of war the friendly Indians 
moved to the northern part of Ohio, making Upper Sandusky their 
nucleus. Mononcue was the head chief of the Wyandotte tribe. Be- 
tween-the-Logs and Jocco were other chiefs of the same tribe. The 
subject of this sketch told me he was personally acquainted with them and 
frequently met them when he visited Upper Sandusky. In 1833 he was 
a guest of Chief Jocco, who entertained him in the most hospitable man- 
ner. His residence was neat and comfortable in all of its appointments. 
In the evening before retiring he called all of his household together and 
offered up a most earnest and devout invocation to the "Great Spirit. 
Mr. Enoch was a lover of fine horses and owned several fine representa- 
tives of the race course. His son remarked to me that the first service 
he ever performed was to take stems out of corn blades to feed his 
father's race horse-. Mr. Enoch learned the trade of milling in his 
father's mill at West Liberty, and served a large patronage, many of 
them being Indians. In 1820 Air. Enoch cut the first road from Belle- 
fontaine to Fort Finley. In this undertaking his son aided him by carry- 
ing supplies and superintending the preparation of them for use. At 
this period Mr. Enoch's business career began under the espionage of his 
father, who sent him to the markets on the northern frontier with herds 
of heel' cattle to be disposed of by him at Monroe. Browns Town and 
Detroit, Michigan, to French and British traders. These journeys in- 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 47 1 

volved much danger and many hardships, but Mr. Enoch's undaunted 
courage and strong determination carried him through successfully. At 
one time he was obliged to cross his cattle at the head of Lake Erie i iver 
the ice a distance of seven miles. This was a hazardous venture, but he 
succeeded without harm. 

< in [uly 25, 1822, Mr. Enoch married Miss Elizabeth Kelly, a 
native of Augusta county. Virginia. She was born April 9. 1803. and 
was of German extraction, endowed with rare qualities of mind and heart. 
a woman of remarkable powers of administration, and one in whose 
character the Christian graces were beautifully illustrated all through 
her long, active and useful life. A short period after their marriage 
they established a permanent home on a tract of four hundred acres in 
the Macachuk valley, in Salem township. Champaign county. Here 
Mr. Enoch followed his chosen vocations of farming and st< >ck raising. 
By reason of his industry, keen foresight, strong purpose and unfalter- 
ing energy he became the possessor of one of the finest stock and grain 
farms in the state of Ohio, besides a desirable farm in Illinois. In 
the early period of his career he traveled extensively over the state- ol 
Ohio, Indiana and Illinois, buying herds of cattle and driving them to 
his home farms, where they were fed and grazed for the eastern mar- 
kets. Before the day of railroads Mr. Enoch drove several of his herds 
to the markets at Philadelphia and Xew York City. These journeys 
required a duration of over two months, leaving his home usually about 
the first of April and reaching their destination the middle of June. Air. 
Enoch followed his business of preparing some of the best herds of beef 
cattle that went from this part of the west to the eastern market- for 
over a half century. He was a fine judge of a bullock, and his judg- 
ment and opinions were sought after and had high standing during the 
whole of )n- long life given to this business. In conjunction with Gov- 
ernor Vance and other noted stockmen he was conspicuous in breeding 



472 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

Shorthorn cattle, and in encouraging the farmers to improve their stock. 
He was a lover of well-bred horses and owned many specimens of that 
class, and few men could handle a team with the skill or sit a saddle 
horse with the grace and elegance that Mr. Enoch could. At the age 
of eighty years a lady friend decorated his horse in the streets oi \\ esl 
Liberty with a wreath of beautiful flowers as an expression of her ad- 
miration of his high order of horsemanship. The subject of this sketch 
had natural fitness for other pursuits. His intelligence, high character, 
prominent and wide acquaintance, coupled with his great energy and 
hue social qualities, would have made him a favorite candidate for 
political honors in his part)-, but he shrank from such notoriety. He 
Look, however, an active part in political matters and did all that a liberal- 
minded, honorable man could to promote the welfare of his party. As 
a Whig he voted his first presidential ticket for John Ouincy Adams in 
iSj ). and continued to vote for Whig candidates until the dissolution 
of that party. He then became an enthusiastic member of the Repub- 
lican party, probably never allowing an election to pass without record- 
ing his vote during his long and active life. The same golden prin- 
ciple that distinguished him as a business man characterized him as a 
Christian and made him a sincere and reliable citizen in all the walks 
of life. Mr. Enoch's educational facilities were limited, but his strong 
common sense and keen powers of observation overcame this de- 
fed in a large degree and made him a most agreeable conversa- 
tionalist and fair scholar. He was of Welsh extraction and was 
said t-> bear a strong resemblance to that type. In personal ap- 
pearance John Enoch was tall and commanding, having a strong 
body, well organized in every way to endure the active outdoor life 
which In' led and which was not interrupted by any illness worthy of 
mention for a period of over three-quarters <>i a century. He was a 
man of courtly manners and warm friendships, and had a pleasant greet- 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 473 

ing for all he met. In his home a generous hospitality and warm wel- 
come was extended to all by himself and his amiable wife. The last 
twelve months of his life he was confined to his room by severe illness, 
with much suffering, which he bore patiently until the end, which came 
one peaceful Sabbath day, the 7th of July, 1SS9, when he passed over 
to where "the wicked cease to trouble, and the weary are at rest," clos- 
ing- a rood and useful life at the age of four score and seven rears. 



JOHN P. KNIGHT. 



We of this electrical twentieth century, with its strenuous energies 
and magnificent potentialities, can not afford to hold in light esteem the 
record of worthy lives and noble deeds, and it is duty for every man 
to be mindful of those of his ancestors who have wrought well in the 
days past. The subject of this review is one of the representative citi- 
zens of Urbana township, Champaign count)-, where he has spent the 
greater portion of his life, being now a retired farmer. His genealogy 
is such as to offer to him a source of just pride and gratification, and 
in this article a resume of the same will he given. 

John P. Knight traces Ins lineage back through three generations 
to Rev. John Corhly, the father of his great-grandmother, Priscilla (Cor- 
bly) Knight. Rev. John Corbly was born in England, in 1733. and, 
emigrating to America in his youth, be became identified with those 
early Christian pioneers who labored amid the dangers of a new country 
to establish the gospel. He first labored in Virginia, and here he was 
not only persecuted in divers ways for his preaching, hut was also thrown 
into jail. But the jail bars could not confine his missionary ambition 
nor restrain his zeal, for he preached from the jail to thousands who 



474 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

were attracted by his native eloquence and unabated enthusiasm. i he 
violence of his persecution in Virginia finally becoming intolerable, he 
removed into southwestern Pennsylvania, which was then a veritable 
wilderness, and there he assisted his colaborers in the establishing of 
churches. This necessitated the dangerous task of traveling from place 
to place through forests infested by the treacherous Indians. On one 
Sunday morning he and his wife and five children started from their 
home at Grand Station, near Redstone Fort, to hold services at a meet- 
ing-house about one and one-half miles distant. Before they had reached 
their destination Mr. Corbly discovered that he had forgotten his hymn 
book, and returned to his home for the same, his family in the mean- 
while continuing on their way to the church. During the short period 
oi his absence his unprotected wife and five children were fired upon 
by Indians concealed in the woods, and all were shot except two daugh- 
ters, who were caught, scalped and left for dead. These two girls, named 
Elizabeth and Delilah, aged six and eight years respectively, were after- 
ward found and resuscitated, this tragic event occurring about the year 
1788. John Corbly died about 1S15. having had a very successful min- 
istry, despite the obstacles that were imposed in his pathway. He was 
married three times. The wife thus killed was his second wife, and 
the five children were all born of. this marriage. His third wife sur- 
vived him and became the wife of Matthias Corwin, father of Hon. 
Thomas Corwin, the distinguished statesman of Ohio, who served as 
governor of the state, as United States senator and as secretary of the 
treasury. Of the two daughters who survived .the massacre. Elizabeth 
never married, while Delilah became the wife of Levi Martin, and they 
were the grandparents of Delilah Martin Knight, wife of Stephen 
Knight, win lived in Troy, Ohio, where his death occurred July 6. 1895, 
while she passed away in 1836. 

The lineage of John P. Knight, the subject of this sketch, thus goes 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 475 

back to Priscilla Corbly, daughter of Rev. John Corbly and his first wife. 
His great-grandfather. William Knight, married Priscilla. and of their 
children we are enabled to incorporate the following data: John, who 
first married a Miss Wilson, and after her death a Miss Green; David, 
who married Patsey Clark; Elizabeth, who married Paul Fensler; 
Rachel, who married James Frazer; Jonathan, who married Catherine 
Tames: William C. who married Matilda Frizell ; Priscilla, who mar- 
ried General John Webb; Nancy, who married George W. Green; Mary, 
who married John Corry; and Delilah, who married Enoch, McFarland. 
William and Priscilla Knight lived at Redstone Fort, Pennsylvania, 
whence they eventually removed to Hamilton county, Ohio, this being at 
the period when General Wayne was here in conflict with the Indians. 
William Knight here died in 1815 or 1816. 

John F. Knight's grandparents in the agnatic line were Jonathan 
and Catherine (James) Knight, whose children were as follows: Will- 
iam D., who married Elizabeth Palmer, they being the parents of the 
immediate subject of this review; Stephen, who married Delilah Mar- 
tin; Paul, who married Charlotte Enseminger : Corbly. who married 
Catherine Rabb; Mary Ann, who married John Green; Elizabeth, who 
married Isaac Clyne; and Priscilla, who married George Clyde. Jona- 
than Knight died in Hamilton county in r&22, and after his death his 
widow and their six children were induced by William C. Knight, a 
brother of the deceased husband and father, to come to Miami county, 
where the children eventually all married and settled, except William 
I)., who removed to Champaign county in J 853, his sun John P.. the 
subject oi this sketch, being fourteen years of age at the time. 

Of the children 01 William D. and Elizabeth (Palmer) Knight 
.ve incorporate the following brief record: John P.. who married Jen- 
nie Rawlings; Wilford O.. who married Sallie McDonald, daughter of 
Hugh and Sarah McDonald, of Urbana; Stephen O, who was first mar- 



476 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

ried to Elizabeth Morgan, of Champaign. Illinois, and later to Jennie 
Doty, of the same place; Catherine, who married Ezekiel Sayres, of 
Miami enmity; Sidney, who remained unmarried; and Maggie, who died 
in August, 1879, at the age of twenty-three years. William D. Knight 
died in December, 1890, and his wife, Elizabeth (Palmer! Knight, 
still survives him, being in her eighty-second vear at the time of this 
writing ( May, 1902). She is a daughter of John and Margaret 1 1 lance) 
Palmer, the former of whom was born near Bristol, England, on the 
19th of September. 1791, having been the eldest son of Robert and 
Hannah (Anthony) Palmer; his death occurred December 11. 1882. 

From the time of his father's removal from Miami to Champaign 
county, in 1853, John P. Knight has been a resident of Urbana town- 
ship. He began his independent career as a school teacher, giving incep- 
tion to his pedagogic endeavors at the age of nineteen years. He was 
considered to be very successful, holding at the close of his five years of 
service as a teacher the best certificate offered by the school examiners 
of Champaign county, and having risen to the position of principal of 
the Central-ward school in the city of Urbana. 

1 '11 March 17, [864, he was united in marriage to Miss Jennie E. 
Rawlings, daughter of James and Susana (McRoberts) Rawlings, of 
whom mention is made elsewhere in this work, in connection with the 
sketch of their son Thomas. Soon after his marriage Air. Knight 
removed to the farm where he now lives, this being the homestead upon 
which Mi's. Knight's father settled in his early manhood, in 1829, mov- 
ing into a log house of those primitive times. Air. Knight has always 
been an exemplary citizen, standing ready at all times to lend his aid 
in fortifying ever) good cause, whether it be social, religious or political 
in its nature. He has never aspired to gain the honors or emoluments 
of public office ; nevertheless he ha- been a member of the board of edu- 
cation in Urbana township for a period of thirty years, being at the 



CEXTEXXIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 477 

present time the president of that body, lie was elected and served as 
decennial land appraisei for the township in 1900. 

John P. and Jennie R. Knight are the parents of four children. 
William J., the eldest, was educated at Oberlin College, where he com- 
pleted the classical course and was graduated as a member of the class 
of 1889. Soon after finishing his education he abandoned professional 
ambitions, on account of failing health, and settled on the home farm. 
Since regaining his health he has become a member of the firm called 
the Urbana Hardware & Supply Company, located at Urbana, Ohio, 
where he is doing a nice business. In 1899 he married Florence 
Dempcy, born December 29. 1864, daughter of Ezra L. and Lucretia 
(Pennington) Dempcy, and of this union one child has been born. — 
Paul Dempcy Knight. Edwin Stanton, the second son of John 1'. 
and Jennie R. Knight, is at present a resident of Chemulpo, Korea. Asia, 
where he is with the Oriental Consolidated Mining Company as 
superintendent of transportation. Though only a little past thirty years 
of age he has traveled over all parts of the United States. At the time 
when the Spanish-American war was precipitated he was a resident of 
the city of Chicago and enlisted in the First Illinois Infantry, with 
which he proceeded to Cuba, having been on the fighting line at Santiago 
when the city capitulated. Harley E., the third son, born January iS, 
1872, married, in his twentieth year, Fannie Clark and settled on the 
home farm. The}' are the parents of three promising children. — Stella. 
Harold and Ruth. Earl R., the youngest son, born April 30, 1876, was 
educated at Purdue University, at Lafayette. Indiana, where he com- 
pleted the course in electrical engineering and was graduated in 1899. 
He has since been incumbent of two good positions, being at the present 
time employed as assistant chief draftsman with the Bullock Electrical 
Manufacturing Company at Cincinnati. He i- not married. 

John P. Knight, though a retired farmer, still remains on the farm 



478 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

which has been the family homestead for three-quarters of a century. 
He has taken great pride in improving it with excellent buildings and all 
the modern conveniences pertaining to the business of agriculture. 



CLARENCE M. McLAUGHLIN, M. D. 

The father of the subject of this review was numbered among the 
pioneer physicians and surgeons of Champaign county and attained dis- 
tinct prestige in his profession, while he was honored as one of the ster- 
ling citizens of the county, devoting his life unreservedly to relieving 
suffering and distress and gaining the affection of an exceptionally wide 
circle of friends. He maintained his home in Westville and was here 
engaged in active practice for mofe than thirty years, and it is most 
consonant that the work which he laid down after the years of earnest 
toil and endeavor should be taken up by his son, who is one of the rep- 
resentative young medical practitioners of the count}- and who figures 
as the immediate subject of this brief sketch. Dr. Clarence M. Mc- 
Laughlin was born in Westville. where he now maintains his home, the 
date nf his nativity having been August 19, 18O4. He is a son of Dr. 
Richard R. McLaughlin, who was born in Clark county, this ^tate, and 
who was reared on a farm in Green county, Wisconsin, whither his par- 
ents removed from Indiana, where they had lived for about six years. 
When lie was a child of about ten years, and after attending the com- 
mon schools of the period and place, he began reading medicine under 
the preceptorage of his uncle and thus prepared himself for the active 
work of his profession, and began the practice in Illinois, and then in 
Wisconsin. In r86l he established himself in the practice of medicine 
in Westville, and here he continued his zealous and beneficent labors 
until his death, in the year 1S91, representing a period of thirty-three 
years, lie was one of the leading physicians of the count}- and his 
practice extended over a vide radius of country and implied the endur- 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 479 

aiice of many hardships, but he never refused to go to the bedside of 
the suffering-, no matter how distant or how tempestuous the weather or 
dark the night or seemingly impassable the road. The old time "country 
doctors" should be held in grateful memory for all time, for their lives 
were self-abnegating and selfishness was foreign to their natures in the 
average case. The senior Dr. McLaughlin was a member of the Cham- 
paign County Medical Society and one of its organizers, while he ever 
commanded the confidence and high regard of his professional confreres. 
His religious faith was that of the Universalis! church, and he was one 
of the charter members of the church in Westville. ever taking a deep 
interest in its work and in all that conserved the welfare of his fellow- 
men. He was a prominent temperance worker, and in this line made 
many able speeches throughout the county. He married Charlotte S. 
Wilson, who was born in Champaign count}-, the daughter of Kevin 
C. Wilson, who was one of the pioneers of this county, whither he is 
supposed to have emigrated from Virginia. Mrs. McLaughlin survives 
her honored husband and makes her home with her son, the subject of 
this review. She became the mother of two sons and three daughters, 
i ne of the daughters dying at the age of two years. Of the other chil- 
dren we enter brief record as follows: Minnie C. became the wife 
of Charles D. Ogden. of Columbus, Ohio, where she died on the 8th 
of July, 1900: Rev. Ira W. is a clergyman of the Universalist church 
and is now residing in North Hatley, Quebec, Canada; Clarence M. is 
the subject of this sketch; and Lottie J. is the wife of Richard K. Fox, 
a photographer ot Dayton, this state. 

Dr. Clarence M. McLaughlin received his preliminary education 
in the public schools of Westville and thereafter continued his literary 
studies in the Urbana University. In fortifying himself for the work 
of his chosen profession he was matriculated in Starling Medical ( ol- 
lege, at Columbus, where he completed a thorough technical course in 
medicine and sureerv and was graduated as a member of the class of 



4 So CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

1886, receiving his coveted degree of Doctor of Medicine. He forth- 
with became associated with his father in practice, and this professional 
alliance continued until the death of the latter, since which time our 
subject has carried forward the work individually, his unmistakable 
ability and the prestige of the name having enabled him to build up a 
large and representative practice, while he enjoys marked popularity and 
esteem in the community where practically his entire life has been spent. 
The Doctor is the owner of a tine farm of one hundred and sixty-seven 
acres in Mad River township, and here he devotes special attention to 
the raising of thoroughbred Jersey cattle, his farm having a high reputa- 
tion in this line, while he takes great interest in the same. He is a mem- 
ber ol the Champaign County Medical Society and of the Universalist 
church, while fraternally he is identified with Harmony Lodge, No. 8, 

V F. & A. M.; Urbana Chapter, No. 34. R. A. M.. at Urbana; with 
Magrew Lodge, No. 433. Knights of Pythias, and with the Junior Ordei 
of United American Mechanics, in Urbana. He is a Democrat in his 
political proclivities, but in local affairs maintains an independent atti- 
tude, giving his support to men and measures rather than being guided 
by strict partisan lines. 

On the 1st of September, 1897, Dr. McLaughlin was united in mar- 
riage to Miss Nellie E. Denny, the daughter of Dennis and Sally 

(Nichols) Denny, natives respectively of Logan and Champaign coun- 
ties, Obi", and now residents of Logan countv. 



SAMUEL L. P. STONE. 

In this age of colossal enterprise and marked intellectual energy the 
prominent and successful men in any community are those whose abil- 
ities, persistence and courage lead them into undertakings of large scope, 
and to assume the responsibilities and labors of leaders in their respective 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 483 

vocations. Success is methodical anil consecutive, — the result of the 
determined application of one's abilities and powers along the rigidly 
defined line of labor. Prominent among the progressive and representa- 
tive business men of the city of Urbana is numbered Mr. Stone, who 
stands at the head of the extensive hardware house conducted under the 
firm name of Stone Brothers and who has been consecutively identified 
with this enterprise for more than a quarter of a century, the interest 
if his deceased brother, the lace Ferdinand F. Stone, being still retained 
n the business, which involves both wholesale and retail operations and 
hich is one of the most important of the sort in central Ohio. Inde- 
fatigable, honorable and well directed industry has been the conservator 
of the marked success which has attended the efforts of our subject, 
and he has long been a factor in the commercial and civic life of Ur- 
bana, where he commands unequivocal confidence and esteem, by reason 
of his sterling manhood and useful life. 

Samuel Lukins Pigeon Stone is a native of the Old Dominion, 
having been born in Hampshire county, Virginia, on the 24th of July, 
183S, the son of Ferdinand and Mary (Pigeon) Stone, the former of 
whom was born in Pennsylvania, of German lineage, and the latter in 
Lynchburg, Virginia, her ancestral line tracing back to English origin, 
while both were birthright members of that gentle and noble religious 
sect, the Society of Friends. They became the parents of five children, 
namely: John H. P., a prominent citizen of Urbana; Joseph S., who 
was a leading physician of Denver, Colorado, and who is now deceased; 
Sarah E., who died at the age of eight years; Ferdinand Fairfax, who 
was associated with our subject in business and who died in 1898; and 
.Samuel L. P., to whom this sketch is dedicated. The father was born 
in 1803 and died in Urbana in 1874, his widow, who was born in 1S04, 
passing away in 1884. They came to Urbana in July, 1K5S, and here 

passed the remainder of their lives, the father having been engaged in 
25 



484 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY, 

the milling business here during the entire period of his residence. He 
was a Democrat in his political proclivities, and his religious faith was 
that of the Lutheran church, while his wife, though a Quaker by birth. 
became a devoted member of the Presbyterian church. 

Samuel L. P. Stone was a youth of nineteen years when the family 
came to Urbana, ami his educational discipline involved the curriculum 
cf the public schools of the da}-, and this was effectively supplemented 
by a course of stud;,- in Edwards College, at Piedmont, Virginia, where 
he was graduated prior to his coming to Ohio. He learned the milling 
tra le under the effective direction of his father, being connected with the 
enterprise in Urbana for four years, at the expiration of which he here 
engaged in the grocery business, under the firm name of Stone & O'Con- 
nor, thus continuing one year, after which he individually continued in 
the same line of enterprise for the ensuing decade, from [862 to [872, 
in which latter year was given inception to the important busines- of 
which he is now the head. Pie was associated with his brother Ferdinand 
in the establishing of a hardware business, under the firm name of 
Stone Brothers, which has ever since been maintained, the enterprise 
being capably managed and expanding in scope and importance with the 
development of the city and county. It is now one of the best equipped 
concerns ol the sort in this section of the state and the business has 
extensive ramifications, being both wholesale and retail in character 
and implying the handling of a most complete and comprehensive stock. 
including- heavy and shell hardware. gla>>. paints and oils, builders' 
supplies, implements, glass, etc. The commodious headquarters arc mosl 
eligibly located al 107 North Alain street, where three stories of a sub- 
stantial business block are utilized, and also a two-storj warehouse, giv- 
ing an aggregate floor space of sixty-one thousand square feet, from 
which statement may be gleaned an idea as to the stock carried. As 
has been we!' said of Mr. Stone, lie "has during his active business 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 485 

career won a measure of popularity, confidence and respect in Urbana 
that is second to that of no other member of the commercial circles of 
this progressive city." He has other important local interests aside from 
that already menti med, being a member of the directorate of the Citi- 
zens' National Bank: treasurer of the Perpetual Building & Loan Asso- 
ciation, of which he was one of the organizers; and is treasurer of the 
Urbana Art Ice Company. 

Ever alive to the duties of citizenship, and maintaining a distinctive 
interest in all that concerns the progress and material prosperity of his 
home city, Mr. Stone is known as a thoroughly generous and public- 
spirited citizen. He gives an uncompromising allegiance to the Dem- 
ocratic party and lias been an active advocate of its cause. He was 
appointed postmaster of Urbana during Cleveland's first administration 
and served in that capacity for nearly five years, doing much to promote 
the efficiency of service and giving an able administration of the affairs i if 
the office. In the spring of TQ02 Mr. Stone received the Democratic 
nomination for mayor of Urbana and was elected by a majority of sixty- 
three votes, and when we revert to the fact that the average Republican 
majority in the city is about four hundred votes, the significance of Mr. 
Stone's election becomes the more pronounced and indicates the strong 
hold lie has upon popular confidence and esteem in his home city. 

During the war of the Rebellion Mr. Stone was a member of Com- 
pany A, of the Ohio Home Guards, with which, he continued to he iden- 
tified for a period of five years, Ins company having heen in active service 
at the time of Morgan's memorable raid. Fraternally he is prominently 
identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, holding member- 
ship in both the lodge and encampment and having represented the same 
in the respective grand bodies of the order in the state, while he is al- i 
a member of the lodge and uniform rank of the Knights of Pythias. 

On the 27th of September, 1871, Mr. Stone was united in marriage 



4 86 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

to Miss Julia F. Geiger. daughter of the late Judge Levi Geiger. one of 
Urbana's distinguished citizens, and they have four children living- 
Ida May. the wife of George McConnell. of Urbana; Levi G. and 
Ferdinand F., who remain at the parental home, being able assistants in 
ihe store of their father; and S. L. P., Jr. 



WILLIAM CKOWL. 



Prominently identified with the agricultural interests of Champaign 
county is William Growl, who was born in Washington, D. C., July 19, 
1819. His father, Jacob Growl, was a native of the same city, and 
there spent his entire life. He was married in the capital city to Miss 
Alary Paine, who was born and reared in Maryland, and about 1853 
she came to Champaign county, Ohio, where she spent the remainder of 
her life. This union was blessed with three children. — William, de- 
ceased; William, of this review; and Lizzy, also deceased. All were 
born in Maryland. 

William Growl became a resident of this county in 1848, when 
twenty-eight years of age, spending the first year here in Urbana, on the 
expiration of which period he purchased seventy-nine acres of land in 
Harrison township, where he cleared and improved a good farm. Four 
vears later he sold his possessions there and in 1854 purchased the place 
which he now owns. He has followed the tilling of the soil as a life- 
occupation, and in this line of endeavor has met with a high and well 

led degree of success. He has been identified with the interest of 
this locality since early pioneer days, and throughout his long ami active 

er has enjoyed the confidence and high regard of all with whom 

business dealings have brought him in contact. The Republican 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 487 

party receives his active support and co-operation, and for a number 
of years he served his township in the capacity of trustee. 

Mr. Crowl was first married in Virginia, to Miss Barbara Bare, 
who was born in that state, and for his second wife lie chose Ruth Chue. 
She, too, was born and reared in that state. He was afterward married 
to Elizabeth Twadell, a native daughter of Champaign county, and toi 
his fourth wife he chose Ann McCoy. She was born in Washington 
county, Pennsylvania, and was there reared and educated. His present 
wife bore the maiden name of Margaret Jane Pitz. She, too, was born 
in Champaign county, and m its district schools she received her educa- 
tion. Her father. Andrew Pitz. was a native of Lancaster county, 
Pennsylvania. About 1831 he came to Champaign county, Ohio, locat- 
ing on a farm in Harrison township. Prior to his removal to this state 
he was married to Mary Ann Yancey, a native of Lancaster county, 
Pennsylvania. They became the parents of seven children, two sons 
and five daughters, and Mrs. Crowl was their sixth child in order of 
birth. The union of our subject and wife has been blessed with ten 
children, but the first born died in infancy. The others are: Ann 
Heland, John W., Denton. Joe. Joseph. Samuel. Mary E., Elizabeth M. 
and Allen D. Two of the sons, Joe and Jashwa. are also deceased.. 
The family are members of the Presbyterian church at Spring Hill. 
Mrs. Cmwl has been a member about fifty years, while Mr. Crowl is not 
a member, he has always lent his support to the church since its 
organization. Mrs. Crowd's youngest brother. Andrew J., enlisted in 
December. 1861, at the age of eighteen years, in the Sixty-sixth Regi- 
ment. Company G, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and gallantly served his 
country unto the end of the war. He participated with his regiment 
in the following engagements: Port Republic, June 9, 1862: Cedar 
Mountain. August 9, 1862: Antietam. September 7. 1802: Dumpries, De- 
cember 27, 1862; Kelley's Ford. July 20. 1863: Lookout Mountain, Xo- 



4 SS CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

vember 24, 1863; .Mission Ridge, Georgia, November 25, [863; Kin- 
gold, Georgia, November 27, 1863: Mill Creek Gap. May 4, 1864; Re- 
saca, May 15, 1864: Cassville, May .20, 1864; Dallas, May 24 to June 2, 
1864; Tine Hill, June 15 to 17. 1864; Noon Day Creek. June 19, 1864; 
Bald Knob, June 27, 1864; Mannette Pike, June 30. 1864 ; Peach Tree 
Creek. July 20, 1864; siege of Atlanta, July 27 to September 4. 1864; 
siege and capture of Savanna, Deceinber n to 21, 1864; then Raleigh, 
North Carolina, January 2j to April 14, 1865. lie was wounded at 
Cedar Mountain August <j, [862, and on this account did not participate 
in the battle of Chancellorsville. Mrs. Crowd's brother John also enlisted 
under the last call for one hundred days and served out his term of 
enlistment. 



WILLIAM THOMAS. 

The name of William Thomas has been inscribed high on the roll 
oi Champaign county's honored pioneers, and the part which he has 
taken in the development of the county well entitles him to prominent 
mention in this volume. He is one of Ohio's native sons, his birth hav- 
ing occurred in Salem township, Champaign county, March 21, 1821, 
and on die paternal side he is descended from a prominent family of 
Maryland, his grandfather having been born in that state. His father, 
Colonel John Thomas, was born in Washington count}', that state, near 
Hancock, and in 1803 came t> Pickaway count}-. Ohio, where he was 
among the early pioneers. Three years later, in [806, he took up his 
abode in Salem township, Champaign county, where he secured about 
seven hundred acres of land near Kings Creek, and there his death oc- 
i mred when he had passed the Psalmist's span of three score vears and 
ten. He was numbered among the early pioneers and leading citizens 




MRS. HULDAH THOMAS. 




A 



.H» 



WILLIAM THOMAS. 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 491 

oi Champaign county. In an early day lie gave his political support to the 
Whig party and after the organization of the Republican party became 
an active worker in its ranks, for thirty-live years holding the position of 
justice of the peace. He was a brave and loyal soldier in the war of 
1812. The mother of our subject, who bore the maiden name of Mary 
Morris, was horn, reared and educated in Pickaway county, Ohio, and 
her death occurred in Salem township. Champaign county. The mar- 
riage of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas was blessed with twelve children, six of 
whom grew to mature years, but only two of the number are now living, 
our subject and his brother Josephus. William V. died in West Liberty, 
Logan county. Ohio, when over ninety years of age; Ezekiel died in 
Fillmore county, Minnesota, when past his eighty-fourth year; Samuel 
died when forty-five years of age; Nancy Stokes, reached the age of 
forty-five years ; and Susan died at the age of thirty years. The father 
of these children was twice married, and for his second wife he chose 
Polly (Johnson) Blair, who bore him six children, but three of the num- 
ber died when young and only one is now living, 1. B., whose sketch will 
lie found on another page of this volume. 

William Thomas, whose name introduces this review, was reared 
near the head waters of Kings creek, in Salem township, and he received 
his education in the log school-house of the neighborhood. Assisting 
his father in the work of the home farm until his marriage, he then 
located on the place on which he now lives in Wayne township, and here 
has made his home for fifty-two years, .luring which time he has devoted 
his time to farming and stockraising with success. His homestead now 
contains one hundred and forty acres of rich and fertile land, all of which 
lie has placed under a fine state of cultivation. As the years passed by 
prosperity has rewarded his efforts and he is now enabled to live in quiet 
retirement, in the enjoyment of the fruits of former toil. Since attaining 
to years of maturity he has been active in the ranks of the Republican 



492 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

party, and the first office which he ever held was that of justice of the 
peace, remaining- therein for twenty-one years, while for six years he was 
a notary public. During the Civil war he was an incumbent of the office 
of township trustee, was county commissioner for one term, and during 
the earlier years was often solicited to settle estates. He is a charter 
member of Cable Lodge. No. 395, I. O. O. F., with which he has been 
identified since 1872, and is very active in the work of the order. 

In March, 1841. was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Thomas and 
.Miss I -lull lab Downs. She is a native of Salem township. Champaign 
county, and a daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Thomas) Downs, 
early pioneers of this county. Mrs. Thomas was called to her final rest 
in 1893, when she had reached the age of seventy-two years, and their 
only child died in infancy. For fifty-two years Mr. and Mrs. Thomas 
traveled life's journey together, their mutual love and confidence increas- 
ing' as the years passed by. For eighty-one years Mr. Thomas has lived 
and labored among the people of Champaign count}', and throughout this 
long period has been closely connected with the progress and advance- 
ment of this section. 

•» » » 

JOHN H. THOMAS. 

One of the best known and most generally loved citizens of Cham- 
paign county was John H. Thomas, whose life was almost entirely 
passed in this section. Though he has passed to his reward, the influence 
of his conscientious, just career, his kindly, generous heart and sym- 
pathetic manner abides. He was born in Rockbridge count}-, Virginia, 
August 6, [823, but when a lad of six or seven years came with his par- 
ents to Ohio, the family locating four miles east of Addison, in Jackson 
township. He was a son of John and Barbara ( Hamest) Thomas, also 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 493 

natives of the Old Dominion, where they were married, and on the land 
on which they located after coming to the Buckeye state they spent the 
remainder of their lives. Both were earnest Christian people, the father 
a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and the mother of the 

Baptist chinch. 

John H. Thomas, of this review, received but a common-school edu- 
cation, and until his twentieth year remained at home and assisted his 
father in the farm work. At that time he removed to Christians! nir-\ 
where he learned the tanner's trade, carrying on that occupation for a 
number of years in connection with stock dealing. He was also suc- 
cessfully engaged in the manufacture of tile for a long period, and in 
these various occupations his well directed efforts were abundantly re- 
warded. Early recognizing the fact that industry is the key which 
unlocks the portals of success, he found the reward of earnest labor and 
his prosperity was well merited. Me was also recognized as a progres- 
sive, public-spirited citizen, true to every duty devolving upon him, and 
his political support was given to the Republican party, but he was never 
a seeker after public preferment. 

Mr. Thomas was twice married, first in 1847, to Elizabeth Grafton. 
and she bore him two children,— Virginia, now Mrs. Ruffner. of Illi- 
nois, and William, deceased. The wife and mother was called to her 
final rest in 185 1. and two years later the father was again married. 
Miss Minerva J. Ross becoming his wife. Her father, Levi Ross, was 
born in Rockbridge county. Virginia, in 1792. was a soldier of the war 
of 181 2. stationed at Harper's Ferry, and was there married to Miss 
Mary Ruffner. In icX.27 they came to Champaign county. Ohio, locat- 
ing on the present site of Addison, and there they spent the remainder 
ol their lives. In early life the father was a mechanic, but after his 
marriage gave his attention to agricultural pursuits. Unto Mr. and 
Mr-. Ross were horn nine children, as follows: Martha A., Minerva J., 



494 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

Mary C, Marion A., Melvina E., Marine R., Morgan L., Margaret E. 
and Maria L. In 1861 the son Marion A. enlisted 'for service in the 
Civil war, becoming a member of Company A, Second Ohio Volunteer 
Infantry, as a private from Antioch College. On one occasion he was 
made a member of a squad of twenty-three, known as the celebrated 
Mitchell raiders,' who, under Captain Andrews, were detailed to capture 
a train at Big Shanty, Georgia. The detachment, however, was taken 
by the enemy, and late in the following April was confined in the Chat- 
tanooga prison for a time, after which they were taken to Atlanta, and, 
there, with six others, he was executed on the 21st of June. He was a 
young man of exceptional promise, brave as a lion and a true and noble 
soldier. The last words which he sent to his people were: "I did it 
fi ir my country, and regret it not." Levi Ross was a charter member 
of Mount Olivet Lodge, F. & A. M., of which he was the first master. 
His death occurred in 1865, and his wife passed away in 1863. 

By his second marriage Mr. Thomas became the father of two chil- 
dren, — John M., who is connected with the Columbus Buggy Company, 
and makes his home in Columbus, and Estella, who became Mrs. Means, 
and is now deceased. Mr. Thomas was also a charter member of Mount 
OHvet Lodge, F. & A. M., which he joined more than fifty years ago, 
and attained to the Royal Arch degree. For many years he was also a 
member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, but withdrew his 
membership from that fraternity. On the 18th of January, 1866, he 
was converted to the Christian faith and joined the Missionary Baptist 
church, and from that time until the close of his earthly career he im- 
proved every opportunity to better the spiritual and moral conditions of 
his fellow men. His enthusiasm for the cause of his Master never 
flagged, although at times the way appeared dark and uncertain, and 
he made the Golden Rule the text of his life, thus becoming a tower of 
strength in his community. For some years he served as superintendent 



CEXTEXXIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 495 

of the Sunday-school, and was active in whatever line of work fell to his 
lot. He was a good citizen, a loyal neighbor, an affectionate and devoted 
husband and father and throughout ids entire Christian life was unsur- 
n issed in his free distribution of the '"good seed" which when springing 
up grows into everlasting life. He passed away January 25, 1902. but 
in the hearts of his friends are enshrined many pleasant memories of 
him, and his influence for good remains with those who knew him. 



SILAS JOHNSOX. 



Success has been worthily attained by Silas Johnson, who is to-day 
accounted one of the prosperous farmers of Champaign county. To 
his energv, enterprise, careful management and keen discrimination this 
is attributable. He was born in Goshen township, this county, on the 
17th of April. 1846. His father. John Johnson, settled in Champaign 
county when a young man. but subsequently removed to Madison county, 
Ohio, where he was married to Martha Rafferty, a native of Kentucky, 
and she was there reared and educated, coining to this county in middle 
life. Her parents were also natives of that commonwealth, and her 
grandfather was a soldier in the war of 1812. Unto Mr. and Mrs. 
Johnson were born five children. — Silas, Molly, Virginia, Clinton and 
John, all of whom were born in Champaign county, but all but the two 
eldest are now deceased. The father gave his political support to the 
Whig party, and his death occurred in 1855. 

Silas Johnson, of this review, removed to Madison county. Ohio, 
when about five years of age, and there attended school for one ten", 
returning thence with his father to Champaign county. He completed 
his education in the schools of Northville, putting aside his text-books 



496 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

at the age of fifteen years, and enlisted in Company P.. One Hundred 
and Thirty-fourth Regiment, National Guards, on the 18th day of Jan- 
uary. 1863, being discharged April 29, 1864. Returning to the old 
home farm, he was there engaged in agricultural pursuits until the spring 
of 1873, when he removed to the farm on which he new resides, the 
place then consisting of one hundred and seventy-two acres of timber 
land. He immediately began the arduous task of clearing and improving 
his farm, anil as time passed not only improved the place but has 
added to its boundaries until he is now the owner of a valuable home- 
stead of two hundred and eighty-five acres, all of which is under culti- 
vation. He has given special attention to the raising of cattle, horses 
and hogs, and in former years was also engaged in the raising of sheep. 
Energy is one of his most marked characteristics, and he prosecutes his 
labors with a zeal that has brought him rich returns. Substantial build- 
ings, the latest improved machinery, well kept fences and good grades 
of stock. — these are among the accessories of the Johnson farm. 

On the nth of June, 1867. in Champaign county, was celebrated 
the marriage of Mr. Johnson and Miss Sarah Weidman, who was born 
in this county and has here spent her entire life with the exception of 
a short period when she was a resident of Marshall county. Illinois. 
Her father. Abram Weidman. was a native of Virginia, but when about 
twenty years of age came to Champaign county, where he was numbered 
among the early pioneers. His wife, who bore the maiden name of 
Emily Dewev, was a native of Pennsylvania, and was there reared and 
educated. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Weidman was celebrated in 
Champaign county, and they became the parents of eight children, four 
soiis and four daughters: James. William, Mary, Sarah, Martha. Sam- 
uel. Fannie and Frank, all born in this county. Mr. Weidman gave 
his political support to the Democracy, and was an active worker for his 
party. Unto the union of our subject and wife have been born seven 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 497 

children, namely: Anna, who became the wife of Joseph Hewlings, 
and both are now deceased ; Frank, also deceased ; Frederick, a farmer 
of Harrison township, Champaign county; and Leila, Charles. Emma 
and Ralph, at home. In his political views Mr. Johnson is an independ- 
ent Democrat, and on that ticket has been elected to many public posi- 
tions, for several years holding the office of township trustee, and is 
now occupying the position of ditch superintendent. He is a member 
of the Wesley Chapel Methodist church, of which he has served as a 
deacon for some time. Almost his entire life has been passed in Cham- 
paign county, and he has a wide acquaintance among her best citizens, 
manv of whom are included within the circle of his friends. 



CHARLES LAUPPE. 

From the biography of every man may be gleaned lessons of genuine 
value, and the life of Charles Lauppe has been marked by all that goes 
t" make up useful and upright manhood, while he has attained success 
through legitimate and well directed effort, being now numbered among 
the representative business men of the thriving city of Urbana, where he 
has passed the greater portion of his life and where he is engaged in the 
saddlery and horse-collar business, as a manufacturer and retail dealer. 
Air. Lauppe traces his lineage back to stanch old German stock, and 
from this source has been derived an element of the best citizenship in 
our great American republic, — one ever appreciative of practical values 
nid one which stands for unswerving integrity, industry, enterprise and 
sterling worth. Mr. Lauppe is a native of the city of Newark, New 
Jersey, where he was horn on the 2d of September. [838, being the son 
of Charles and Sarah Lauppe. both of whom were born in Germany. 



495 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

In the spring of 1854 they came to Dayton, Ohio, where they remained 
three and one-fourth years, and then came to Urbana, Ohio, where they 
passed the remainder of their lives, honored for their intrinsic worth of 
character and for their unvarying kindliness. The mother of our sub- 
ject entered into eternal rest in 1874. at the age of sixty-nine years, 
being survived by her husband, who passed away in 189-'. at the age 
1 1 seventy-eight. He was a collarmaker by trade, and to this vocation 
devoted the greater part of his active business life. 

The subject .of this sketch was nineteen years of age at the tin 
the family's removal to Urbana. and his early educational discipline 
such as was afforded in the public schools of his native city, where also 
he learned the trade of manufacturing horse collars, under the careful 
direction of his honored father. His intrinsic patriotism and loyalty 
prompted him to tender his services to the Union at the time when its 
integrity was threatened by armed rebellion, and on May 2, 1864, he 
enlisted for a term of one hundred days as a corporal in Company 
A, One Hundred and Thirty-fourth. Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He con- 
tinued in active service for a period of lour months, three of which 
were passed at Petersburg Virginia, then received his honorable dis- 
charge and was duly mustered out. His continued interest in his old 
comrades of the Rebellion is shown by the fact that he retains member- 
ship in that ever honored organization, the Grand Army of the Republic, 
being one of the popular members of W. A. Brand Post, No. 98, in 
which he has long held official positions. 

In August, r866, Mr. Lauppe purchased a collar business in Urbana, 
and here he has since continued, during a period of more than a quarter 
of a century, in the manufacturing of horse collars and in the general 
saddlei'3 business. He now conducts a retail enterprise, but formerly 
manufactured for the wholesale trade, while he has also dealt largely in 
hides, tallow and leather. He began operations on a modest scale, but 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 499 

by well directed effort, high-grade workmanship and honorable dealing 
attained success and definite prosperity. In politics Air. Lauppe 
is a stalwart supporter of the principles of the Republican party, and 
fraternally is identified with Harmony Lodge. No. 8, F. & A. M. For 
a period of six years he served as a member of the board of directors 
of Oakdale cemetery, was re-elected as director for a term of three years. 
and has ever taken a deep interest in all that concerns the welfare of 
his home city, where lie is well known and highly esteemed. 



JOSEPH S. MOSES. 

The subject of this review is one of the native sons of the Buckeye 
state and is entrusted with official duties of importance in connection 
with the govermental affairs of Champaign county, where he has passed 
practically his entire life, owing his advancement to his own efforts and 
ever commanding the confidence and high regard of those with whom 
he has been thrown in contact in the various relations of life. In a 
work of this character he is clearly entitled to representation among 
others of the able officials of the count}'. 

Joseph S. Moses was born in Miami county. Ohio, on the 26th 
of August, 1856, was reared in Jackson township, Champaign county, 
early beginning to contribute his quota to farm work and receiving such 
educational advantages as were afforded in the public schools in the 
vicinity of his home. He continued to be identified with the great 
art of agriculture in an active way until his election to the office 
of which he is now the incumbent, and he still owns his excellent farm 
m Jackson township. In political matters Mr. Moses has always had 
well defined and amply fortified views and has given an active and slab 



500 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

wart support to the Republican party and its cause, being long promi- 
nent in public affairs of a local nature. In 1899 he was elected to the 
office of county recorder, in which he has given a most capable and 
discriminating administration, and in 1902 was re-elected for a second 
term of three years, having taken up his residence in the city of Urbana 
upon assuming his official duties. He is identified with the Masonic 
fraternity, having been raised to the master's degree and holding mem- 
bership in Mount Olivet Lodge, No. 226, F. & A. M., at Addison, Ohio, 
while he is also a member of Social Lodge, at Addison, of the Independent 
Order of Odd Fellow's, taking an active interest in the affairs of each 
of these noble organizations. His religious faith is that of the Baptist 
church, of which his wife likewise is a member. 

On the 23d of July, 1882, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. 
"Moses to Miss Maria Huddleston, who was born and reared in Jackson 
township, Champaign county, being the daughter of Milton and Jemimah 
'Huddleston. Mr. and Mrs. Moses have five children, namely: Roily 
R., Jennie L., John S., Blanche G. and Ethel M. 



JOHN P. NEER. 

.\m<«ng the native sons of Champaign county who went forth in 
defense of the Union when its integrity was menaced by armed rebel- 
lion, rendering the valiant and loyal service of a leal and loyal son of the 
republic, is John P. Neer, who is most consistently given representation 
in this work, for he has practically spent his entire life in this county, is 
a member of one of its honored pioneer families and through his identi- 
fication with the agricultural industry has become one of the successful 
and influential citizens of this section. 




s's'AJ 




SS44S. 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 503 

John P. Neer was born on the old homestead, in Concord township, 
on the 27th of April, 1842, being a son of Joseph and Margaret Susan 
(Monroe) Neer. Joseph Neer was born in Loudoun county, Virginia, 
the paternal lineage tracing back to German origin, though the family 
had been established in the Old Dominion at an early epoch in its hist' >n . 
Joseph Xeer was reared and educated in his native state, where he re- 
mained until about 1826, when he came to Ohio and became one of the 
pioneers of Champaign county, having settled on the homestead in Con- 
cord township which is now a part of our subject's estate, as early as 
1831. This was school land and was purchased by Mr. Neer at the time 
when it was first placed on the market, and it has ever since been retained 
in the possession of the family. He cleared the tract of its heavy growth 
of timber and developed a good farm, while he was a man of dauntless 
spirit and progressive ideas, doing much to further the advancement of 
the interests of this section in the earl)- days and to conserve the general 
welfare. His political allegiance was given to the Whig party until the 
time of the organization of the Republican party, when he became a stal- 
wart supporter of the principles of the latter, having been strenuously 
opposed to the institution of human slavery and having exercised his 
franchise in support of John C. Fremont, the first presidential candidate 
of the Republican party. He was an active and zealous member of the. 
Methodist Episcopal church, taking a deep interest in the promotion of 
both its spiritual and temporal affairs. 

In Champaign county, on the 10th of November, 1835, he was 
united in marriage to Miss Margaret Susan Monroe, who was born in 
Harrison township, on the 27th of November, 18 19, being a daughter 
of David Monroe, who was horn in Virginia, of Scotch lineage, and 
who emigrated westward in an early day. becoming one of the honored 
pioneers of Champaign county, where he passed the residue of his life. 
Joseph Xeer was summoned into eternal rest in 1869, and his cherishe I 

26 



50 1 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

and devoted wife passed away in 1880, having retained their residence 
on the "Id homestead from the time of their marriage until death released 
the silver cord of his life. About four or five years later the widow with 
her youngest daughter moved to [Jrbana where she died. Six sons and 
six daughters were born, concerning whom we incorporate a brief record 
in the following paragraph. 

David C. is a successful farmer of Allen county. Kansas; Ann F. 
is the widow of James W. Ellis, who was a farmer of Oklahoma, where 
she still maintains her home; Eliza M. became the wife of Judge Joseph 
V. Offenbacher. of Champaign county, who died in the city of Wash- 
ington, D. C. in January, 1895, her death having occurred on the 6th 
of October, 1875, in southern Colorado; John P., the next in order of 
birth, is the immediate subject of this sketch; Martha J. died on the 
16th of September, 1870; Nathan A. is engaged in agricultural pursuits 
in Los Angeles county, California; Sallie C. is the wife of Lowe! T. 
Clemans. an electrician of Los Angeles ; Joseph F. is a farmer of Cham- 
paign county; Mary F. is the wife of Charles W. McMaster, of Los An- 
geles county, California; Samuel J., who is engaged in the book and 
stationer}- business in Winlield. Cowley county, Kansas, served for two 
terms as clerk of that county; Elizabeth died in infancy; and James M. 
is a farmer and stock-raiser of Cowley county. Kansas. 

John F. Neer, the immediate subject of this review, was reared 
upon the obi homestead farm and acquired his early scholastic training 
in the district schools, which he attended during the winter months, 
while during the summer seasons he assisted in the work of the farm. 
In this peaceful vocation he continued to bend his energies until a higher 
duty faced him, when came the clarion call to arms, prompting the loyal 
sons of the north to defend the unity of the republic, now in jeopardy 
through civic rebellion. On the 30th of July, 1802, he enlisted as a pri- 
vate in Company II. Forty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 505 

he was sworn into service at Camp Chase, in the city of Columbus, on 
the 19th of August. He continued on active duty with his regiment un- 
til the I2th of June, 1865, when lie received his honorable discharge, 
at ('amp darker, Tennessee. His service thus covered the greater period 
of the war, and his record as a soldier was one to which he may well 
advert with satisfaction, lie was promoted to he corporal of his com- 
pany, later sergeant and orderly sergeant and before he returned to his 
home he was commissioned first lieutenant in recognition of valiant ser- 
vice. Mr. Neer participated in many of the memorable and important 
movements and engagements incidental to the course of the great con- 
flict. He was in the battle at Dutton Hill, Kentucky, and later his 
regiment, while he was on detached duty, assisted in the pursuit of Mor- 
gan at the time of his famous raid through Ohio and Indiana. On the 
20th of October, 1863, he was in active service in the battle at Phila- 
delphia. Tennessee, in which engagement his regiment lost in killed, 
wounded and missing, one hundred and sixty-eight men, while later the 
regiment was in the entire campaign in eastern Tennessee, and in an en- 
gagement at Holston river, on the 15th of November, they lost one hun- 
dred and one men. five of the number being officers. Tbev also had a 
spirited .encounter with the forces under General Longstreet. In this 
engagement, on the 17th of November, Mr. Neer was shot through the 
iett lung and was taken to the hospital, where he remained during the 
entire siege of Knoxville. As soon as he had sufficiently recuperated 
he returned to his regiment, going to Tazewell, Tennessee, and thence to 
( uniherland Cap, where he remained a short time, after which the regi- 
ment marched to Mount Sterling, Kentucky, where it remained about a 
month, he being detailed to take charge 1 »f the patn '1 of the city. Thence 
the command returned to Tennessee, by way of Knoxville, and finally 
joined the forces proceeding onward for the Atlanta campaign, in all of 
which our subject participated, including the engagement at Franklin, 



5o6 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

which was one of the most hotly contested of all the fights of the war. 
He was present at the hattle of Atlanta and his regiment was actively 
engaged in that famous battle, while later it was in the hard-fought 
battle at Nashville, Tennessee, on the 15th and 16th of December, 1864. 
We can but mention a few of the other notable engagements in which 
Mr. Nee.r took part, — Resaca, Dallas, Kehesaw Mountain, Pine Moun- 
tain and Lovejoy Station. 

After the war Mr. Neer returned to the old homestead, where he 
resumed his farm work, being associated with his father for two years, 
and after the death of the latter, in 1869, he purchased the major por- 
tion of the old home place from the other heirs. He now has an ex- 
ceptionally attractive and valuable landed estate of six hundred and 
seventeen acres, upon which are the best of improvements, while he also 
gives special attention to the raising and handling of high-grade live 
stock, his business affairs being so capably conducted that splendid suc- 
cess crowns his efforts. Mr. Neer is a stanch Republican in politics, has 
taken an active part in the work of the party and believes firmly in its 
principles. He has served as county ci ►minissioner for two terms, filling 
the office from December, 1885, until 1891. He and his wife are prom- 
inent members of the Concord Methodist Episcopal church, in which 
Mr. Neer is serving as trustee, while he contributed toward the erection 
• >f the church edifice. He keeps alive the pleasing associations of the 
old days when he was following the old flag to victory by retaining 
membership in the post of the Grand Army of the Republic at Urbana, 
of which he was commander in 1S99. 

In 1899 Mr. Neer was united in marriage to Miss Ida M. Goble, 
who was born in Brooklyn, New York, where she was reared and edu- 
cated, being a (laughter of Ira and Catherine (Burke) Goble, both na- 
tives of the Empire state and both now deceased. 

In recapitulation we may say that Joseph N eei ". the honored father 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 507 

cf our subject, was born on the 7th of August. 1804, and that his death 
occurred on the 26th of January. 18(19. at which time lie was in his sixty- 
fifth year. His wife, who was born on the 27th of November. 1819, 
died. October 8, 1880. At the time of their marriage they moved into 
the house where our subject now lives, and this contiued to be their home 
until death's hand intervened. Both were devoted members of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal church and they contributed largely to the erection of 
the church building in this township. 



SIMEON TAYLOR. 

When it is stated that Mr. Taylor, who was formerly incumbent of 
the important office of auditor of Champaign county, is of the third 
generation of his family in the county it becomes evident at once that 
he is a representative of one of the early pioneer families of this sec- 
tion, and such has been the prominence of the name and such the honor 
attaching thereto in connection with the annals of the county that it 
becomes specially consistent that a review of Mr. Taylor's genealogy 
and personal career be given place in this volume. He is one of the 
representative men of the county, where he is not only successfully en- 
gaged in agricultural pursuits, but where he also has other interests 
which have important bearing on the industrial and business activities 
of the locality, maintaining his residence in the town of Westville. where 
he has an attractive home. 

Simeon Taylor was bom in Mad River township, this count}, on 
the 7th of June, 1838, being the son of Benjamin S. Taylor, who was 
bom in Tennessee, whence he came to Champaign county with his 
parents when he was a boy, the family locating in Mad River township. 



5o8 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

where he was reared to maturity and where lie devoted the residue of 
his life to agricultural pursuits. He became one of the prominent men 
of the county, where he was In mured for his sterling character and his 
useful life. In politics he was a Democrat, and in his later years was 
a stanch advocate of the cause of temperance. He died when but forty- 
nine years of age. His father, John Taylor, was born in Virginia, 
whence he removed to Tennessee and finally to Champaign county, where 
he was numbered among the first settlers in Mad River township. He 
located on Xettle creek, where he entered government land, and at this 
time the Indians were far more in evidence in the locality than were the 
white settlers. He developed a farm and on the same passed the re- 
mainder of his life. He was of Scotch-Irish descent and was a man 
of industrious habits, strong mind and inflexible integrity. 

The maiden name of our subject's mother was Sarah Miller, a 
native of Loudoun county, Virginia, where she was reared and whence 
she accompanied her parents on their removal to Champaign county, 
Ohio, being a young woman at the time. Her father, Valentine Miller, 
settled in Mad River township abount the year [816, and here he devoted 
the remainder of his life to farming, his lineage showing Dutch. Irish 
and Welsh strains, with the Dutch predominating. 'Hie mother of our 
subject lived to attain the age of four score years. Her three children 
were as follows: Sarah Anna, who is the wife of Washington Louden- 
back, of this township; Darius, who died at the age of about sixty- 
three years; and Simeon, the subject of this sketch. 

Simeon Taylor grew up on the old homestead farm where he was 
born, and his earl)' educational discipline was received in the district 
school, after which he continued his studies in the graded schools of 
U'rbana and thereafter entered the Bryant & Stratton Business College 
in Cleveland, where he took a commercial course. He devoted his atten- 
tion to teaching school for about a decade, his entire pedagogic labors 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 509 

having been performed in his native township, and that he was success- 
ful and popular in this line is clearly shown by the fact that for eight 
years he was retained as teacher in one district. He finally gave up 
teaching and located on the old farmstead, where he once more turned 
his attention to agricultural pursuits, said homestead having been located 
in sections 16 and 17. He still retains the homestead, but leases the 
place, not having given his personal attention to its operation since the 
year 1889. 

In politics Mr. Taylor has been one of the stanch advocates of the 
principles and policies of the Democratic party, and he has ever taken 
an active interest in public affairs of a local nature, lending his aid and 
influence in support of all measures for the general good of the com- 
munity. He served as township trustee and. as justice of the peace in 
Mad River township, and in 1889 was elected to the office of county 
auditor, being the only Democrat ever elected to this office in Champaign 
count)-, where the normal Republican majority is about one thousand. 
He gave an able and discriminating administration of the affairs of the 
office and thus gained the unqualified endorsement of the people, with- 
out reference to partisan affiliations. Mr. Taylor has long been a prom- 
inent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he has served 
as steward and superintendent of the Sunday-school, ever manifesting 
a lively concern in all departments of the church work, as does also his 
wife, who has been a devoted member of the organization for many 
war-. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd 
Fellows. Mr. Taylor's finely improved farm comprises one hundred and 
eighty acres and is one of the valuable places of the county. He has 
been for twenty years a member of the directorate of the Citizens' Na- 
tional Bank, of Urbana, and is now vice-presidenl of this solid institution. 
He is also a director of the Farmers' Mutual Insurance Company, whose 
headquarters are in Mechaiiicsburg, and is president of the People's Sav- 



5io CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

ings & Loan Company, of Urbana. Thus it may be seen that he is dis- 
tinctively one of the representative citizens of his native county, and here 
bis course has ever been such as to command to him the unqualified con- 
fidence and esteem of all classes. 

On the ist of October, 1803, Mr. Taylor was united in marriage to 
Miss Susan Ward, who was born in Mad River township, being the 
daughter of Noah and Lydia ( Smith) Ward, who were numbered among 
the pioneers of the county. Of the five children of Mr. and Mrs. Taylor 
we incorporate brief record, as follows : Alonzo, who was graduated 
in the Eclectic Medical College of Cincinnati and who was successfully 
engaged in the practice of his profession in Delaware county, Ohio, 
died at the age of thirty-four years; Laura O. is the wife of Gerald 
Colbert, a successful farmer of Mad River township; David E., who 
likewise is a prominent farmer of this township, and married Mary 
Sowers ; Bertha R. is the wife of Dr. R. Lee Grimes, who is engaged in 
the practice of medicine in Westville; and Floy remains at the parental 
home. 



JAMES D. POWELL. 

r 

When it is stated that with the lapse of but one more decade a full 

century will have fallen into the cvcle of the ages since the time when the 
Powell family became identified with the annals of Champaign county, 
it will be readily understood that in touching upon the life record of 
James Dunlap Powell, the writer is dealing with a worthy representa- 
tive of one of the earliest pioneer families of this section of the Buckeye 
state. Within all these long years what has been the character, what 
the accomplishment of those who have borne the name? The answer 
comes in most grateful measures when we scan the record, for in the line 




MRS. JAMES D. POWELL. 




JAMES D. POWELL. 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 513 

have been men of sterling character and women of gentle refinement. — 
men who have played well their parts on the stage of life's activities; 
women whose influence has been ever potent for good. What a wealth 
of incident and variety of experience is summed up in tracing back over 
the period of ninety years which marks the identification of this family 
with the interests of Champaign county, and still farther may we go 
to find the ancestry maintaining an unblotted 'scutcheon from that early 
epoch when it first was planted on American soil, in the early 
colonial days. Thus it may be seen that the biographer may well feel a 
distinctive respect and satisfaction when he essays the task of rendering, 
even in epitomized form, a tribute to him whose name introduces this 
paragraph and to those who have gone before him and likewise exempli- 
fied true virtue and true usefulness in all the relations of life. In the 
mad rush of this electrical and almost turbulent twentieth century, we 
may well stop for a moment and give retrospective study and apprecia- 
tion to those who have wrought so nobly in the past and the measure of 
whose influence can not be understood by superficial analysis. 

James Dunlap Powell is a native son of Champaign county, which 
has been the scene of his labors during the entire period of his long and 
signally useful life. He was born on the pioneer homestead farm, in 
Urbana township, on the 3d of March, 1K19. being a son of Elijah and 
Alary (Dunlap) Powell. Elijah Powell was born in the state of Vir- 
ginia, on the 20th of August. 17S9. being the fifth in order of birth oi 
the eleven children of Abraham 1'. and Ann (Smith) Powell, both of 
whom were likewise natives of the Old Dominion, which figures as the 
cradle of so much of our national history, the former having been born 
on the 20th of October, 175^. and the latter on the 12th of September, 
1762, while their marriage was solemnized in their native state, in Au- 
gust, 1780. Abraham P. Powell rendered valiant service as a soldier in 
the Continental line during the war of the Revolution, and it may well 



514 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

be said that the family name has beer, from the beginning identified with 
the founding and building of the republic. When Elijah Powell was a 
child his parents emigrated from Virginia to the wilds of Kentucky, of 
which state they became pioneer settlers, and there he was reared to man- 
hood, while his knowledge of pioneer life was to be still farther ex- 
tended, since he accompanied his parents on their removal to Champaign 
county, Ohio, in the year 1812. — a decade after the admission of the 
state to the Union. The family settled on a tract of heavily timbered 
land one mile west of the present city of Urbana, which was at that time 
a mere hamlet of a few primitive dwellings, and on this farm, whose im- 
provement was at once instituted, Abraham P. Powell passed the residue 
of his life, passing away on the 3d of January, 1817, at the age of sixty- 
two years, while his widow long survived him, being summoned into 
eternal rest on the 19th of September, 1845, at the venerable age of 
eighty-three years. 

In this count} - , on the 27th of January, 1818. Elijah Powell was 
united in marriage to Miss Mary Dunlap, who was born in Kentucky, mi 
the 26th of October, t8oo, being a daughter of Rev. James and Emily 
(Johnson) Dunlap. both of whom were born in Virginia, the respective 
dates of nativity being July 10. 1773. and October 15. 1777. and when 
they weie young they accompanied their respective families on their 
removal to Kentucky, in which state their marriage was solemnized, mi 
the 29th of August. 1704. In 1812 Rev. James Dunlap came with his 
family to Champaign county, and he became one of the pioneer clergy- 
men of this section of Ohio, becoming well known to the settlers tar and 
wide and laboring zealously in the vineyard of the divine Master, his 
faith in whom he exemplified in precept and example, ever laboring to 
uplift his fellow men and to scatter the precious seed of the gospel on 
fertile soil. He moved to Jacksonville, Illinois, in 1844. and remained 
there until his death in 1866. Of the eleven children born to Elijah and 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 515 

Mary ( Dunlap) Powell, only three are living at the time of this writing, 
namelv : James D., the immediate subject of this sketch; Jeptha, a resi- 
dent of Upper Sandusky. Ohio, and Edward, who makes his home in 
Urbana. 

James D. Powell was reared on the old homestead farm in Urbana 
township, early becoming inured to the work involved in the reclamation 
and cultivation of the farm, while his educational advantages were such 
as came to the average youth of the locality and period, being confined 
to a desultory attendence in the primitive log schi « »lh< >use, with its 
puncheon floor ami slab benches. In short, lie had to contend against the 
same disadvantages that hedged in all of the pioneer families in what 
was then a veritable frontier region, but few were so fortunate in fertility 
of natural resources and in meeting the exigencies and overcoming the 
difficulties which compassed the average youth thus placed. He gave 
his lather able assistance in the management of the farm and became 
familiar with all details of the great basic industry which has ever figured 
as the bulwark of 1 ur nation's prosperity, and to the same he has consecu- 
tively devoted his attention during the long vears of his singularly active 
and prolific life. His father died on the old homestead, on the nth of 
June, 1866, at the age of seventy-six years and ten months. His relig- 
ious faith was that of the Baptist church, of which his wife also became 
a member in her youth, and his loyalty and patriotism found as definite 
manifestation as in the case of his father, the Revolutionary veteran, 
since it was his lot to have been an active participant in the war of [812. 
His wife. Alary Powell, died July 30. 1881. 

On the farm which is now his home, on the 9th of September. [845, 
James D. Powell was united in marriage to Miss Minerva Hill, daugh- 
ter of Joseph and Mary 1 Purcell) Hill, both of whom were born in Vir- 
ginia. Joseph Hill was twice married. In Kentucky he wedded Miss 
Mary Oliver and they became the parents of eight children. In [802 



5i6 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

they came to Ohio and became the first white settlers in what is now 
Concord township, their location being the farm now owned and occu- 
pied by our subject, and here Mrs. Hill's death occurred. Some time 
afterward Mr. Hill returned to Kentucky for a visit, and while there 
he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Pureed, daughter of George 
and Margaret Pureed, who had removed thither from their native state 
of Virginia. Of the second marriage five children were born, Mrs. 
Powell having been the third. She was born in Concord township, 
Champaign county, on the 26th of August, iS_'_\ and was here reared 
to womanhood, her educational privileges being such as were afforded 
in the primitive schools of the pioneer epoch. To Mr. and Mrs. Powell 
were born six children, their names, in order of birth, being as follows: 
Mary, Amanda J.. Emma E., Elijah H., Sallie A. and Annie M. Of 
these Mary and Anna are deceased. Joseph and Margaret ( Pureed ) 
Hill both died on the old homestead, the former in September, 1861, and 
the latter mi the 3d of July, 1869, both having been devoted and con- 
sistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church, secure in whose 
faith they passed to their reward. Mr. Hill was in active service during 
the war of 1812, and, although a poor man when he settled in the 
virgin forests of Concord township, he accumulated a comfortable estate. 
The great loss and bereavement of Mr. Powell's life was that en- 
tailed by the death of his cherished anil devoted wife, on the 9th of 
February, 1902. Their wedded life had been protracted over more 
than hali a century, marked by mutual love and confidence and help- 
fulness, and how idyllic that life was none can know save those who 
were o\ the immediate family circle, whose sacred precincts we would 
not wish to violate by lifting the veil. None but the venerable and 
bereft husband of her youth and her declining years can appreciate to 
the full the deprivation which has come, and yet there is a tender chalice 
1 t consolation from which he mav ever drink, in the memorv of a life 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 517 

of so signal beauty and devotion, in the memory of a loving com- 
panionship which was so long vouchsafed him. One who knew her 
long and well paid the following tribute at the time of her death, the 
same having been published in a local paper : "She joined the Methodist 
Episcopal church at Concord sixty-five years ago and was happily con- 
verted by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and for all these years she 
proved a faithful member of the church. Though not in any way 
dominated by extreme emotionalism,- in the walks of Christian life she 
showed herself to be a true and faithful follower of our divine Lord, 
and in all these years I never heard her say one word or saw her do 
erne act unbecoming a Christian woman. True and faithful as a wife, 
kind and loving - as a mother, if she could speak to-day she would say 
to her husband and children, follow me as I have followed Christ, and 
meet me in heaven, where the wicked cease from troubling and the 
weary are at rest. She will be missed by all her neighbors and friends, 
for her kind and benevolent acts of life were many; she ever remem- 
bered the poor by acts of charity and the distressed by a word of com- 
fort, and their hearts have been made better thereby, so that they 
would to-day rise up and call her blessed." 

James D. Powell may be justly styled a self-made man, for he 
began life at the foot of the ladder and by his industry and definite 
purpose, his integrity and discretion he has attained a high degree of 
prosperity, being now the owner of a landed estate of more than eight 
hundred acres and being known a? one of the representative farmers 
of the county in which his entire life has been passed. This success 
is the result of determined and consecutive application in his youth 
and of the judicious investment of his earnings, which he saved with 
provident discrimination. In all his labors his wife stood ever ready 
to lend a helping hand and to cheer him in his efforts, being a true help- 
meet and coadjutor. He now has one of the finest homes in Cham- 



518 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

paign county, and there a gracious ami sincere hospitality has ever 
been in evidence. Mr. Powell is a man of temperate habits and in favor 
of temperance laws, and his political support is given to the Republican 
party, while his religious faith is that of the Methodist Epis- 
copal church. In his business affairs he has ever shown marked sa- 
gacity and discrimination and no man could be mure honest and up- 
right in every transaction, lie is a man of broad information and 
strong individuality, is genial and- courteous in all the relations of life, 
and has ever commanded the confidence and high esteem of all good 
citizens. Though he has passe! the age of four score years Mr. Powell 
retains marked physical vigor and gives his personal supervision to his 
large and important business interests. It is signally consistent that 
this record be perpetuated for coming generations, and the accompany- 
ing portraits of Mr. Powell and his devoted wife, now passed into the 
life eternal, most properly find place in the connection. 



CHRISTOPHER BEHNEY. 

For many years Christopher Behney was a prominent figure in 
the annals of Champaign county and aided materially in its develop- 
ment. By a life of uprightness, industry and honorable dealing. — a 
life devoted to the support of whatever was good and true. — he won 
the admiration and genuine regard of a large circle of acquaintances, 
who sincerely mourned his loss when, upon the 15th of May, [896, he 
was called upon to lay aside the burdens, joys and sorrows which had 
fallen to his share, as to all, in the journey of life. 

Mr. Behney was born in Myerstown, Pennsylvania, January 13, 
1836, a son of [saac and Sarah Behney, also natives of that state. They 
woe the parents of four children, of whom our subject was the second 



CEXTEXXIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 519 

ii' order of birth. When a small boy he was deprived of a father's pro- 
tecting care, and was reared by his mother, remaining at home until a 
youn CT man. and then served an apprenticeship at the cabinetmaker's 

trade. In [865 he came to Champaign county, Ohio, and five years 
later began dealing extensively in horses, buying and selling throughout 
this section of the state, in which branch of business he met with a 
very high degree of success. In 1870 he was united in marriage to 
Malinda Richards, a native of Champaign countv, her birth Inning 
occurred on the farm on which she now resides. Her father. William 

Richards, was also horn on thi: 1 homestead, ami his father, Andrew 

Richards, was a native of Champaign county, his death occurring on 
the old family homestead. He was a very active worker in the Whig 
party. 1 he father of Mrs. Behney followed the tilling of the soil as a 
life occupation, was independent in his political views, and was a mem- 
ber of the Baptist church, having greatly assisted in the erection of 
the house of worship of that denomination in Urbana. He was united 
in marriage to Martha Powell in Champaign count}, where she was 
horn, reared and educated, and they became the parents of twelve chil- 
dren : Elizabeth, deceased; Henry, deceased; Mrs. Behney; Ruth, de- 
ceased. Mary; Phcebe ; Florence, deceased; Sally: Kate Bell, deceased; 
Fannie, deceased; Emma; Charles, deceased, ami all were horn on the 
farm where Mrs. Behney now resides. The place consists of a tract of 
one hundred and thirtv acres, all of which is under an excellent state 
of cultivation and is one of the valuable homesteads of the county. 

The union of our subject and wife was blessed with three sons. — 
lied. Frank and Ralph. — who are still with their mother. Mr. Behney 
was a Republican in politics, a member of the Independent Order of 
Odd Fellows, and of the Masonic fraternity. His religious preference 
was indicated by his affiliation with the German Reformed church, while 
Mrs. Behney is a member of the Baptist denomination. 



520 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

JAMES F. SPAIN. 

The spirit of a pure and noble life burned within the earthly tene- 
ment of the man of whom we write, and when the soul took its flight 
to purer regions and a better state those who mourned most deeply 
were those who knew him best. Mr. Spain died in the prime of a 
prolific and useful manhood, and though more than thirty-five years 
have passed since he journeyed to "that undiscovered country from whose 
bourne no traveler returns." his name is still held in grateful memory 
in his native county, while appreciation of his loyal services as a sur- 
geon in the Union ranks during - the war of the Rebellion, that greatest 
of all civil and internecine conflicts, will not be forgotten by Ins old 
comrades in blue or by others cognizant of his loyal and devoted service 
in a cause whose victory he did not long survive. 

James F. Spain was born in the village of Mechanicsburg, Cham- 
paign county, Ohio, on the 26th of June, 1832. He was reared in his 
native town, securing his early educational discipline in the local schools 
and preparing himself lor the vocation of a teacher. He took up the 
study of medicine and finally entered one of the leading medical col- 
leges of the city of Chicago, where he was graduated, defraying his 
expenses by teaching and being principal of the Mechanicsburg public 
school at the time of his marriage, his wife having been simultaneously 
a teacher in the school's of that village. He was in the active practice 
of his profession for only a comparatively brief interval and was incum- 
bent of the office of treasurer of Champaign county in 1865, when his 
patriotism led him to enlist as a surgeon in the One Hundred and 
Thirty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until the 
regiment was mustered out, when he resumed his official duties as 
treasurer of his native county, being re-elected to this office, of which 
he was incumbent at the time of his death, which occurred on the 4th 




JAMES F. SPAIH. 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 523 

of October. 1867. He was a member of the Masonic lodge at Me- 
chanicsburg and at the time of his death a Knight Templar, always being 
very zealous and enthusiastic in the cause of his order. He was a 
Republican in his political views, and his religious faith was that oi 
the Presbyterian church, of which his widow is also a devoted mem- 
ber. He was a man of high intellectuality and inflexible integrity, his 
untimely death ending an honorable and useful career. 

On Christmas day, J 855. Air. Spain was united in marriage to 
Miss Ellen R. Wilson, an associate teacher in the Mechanicsburg schools, 
as has already been stated. She was born in Geauga county, Ohio, the 
(laughter of S. L. and Lydia Wilson, natives of New York. Mrs. 
Spain completed her education in the Ohio Wesleyan University, in 
the city of Delaware, and thence removed to Mechanicsburg" to engage 
in pedagogic work, in which she was popular and successful. She 
became the mother of one child, Lydia A., who was but seven months 
of age at the time of her father's death and who is now the wife of 
John R. Ross, a representative business man of Urbana, in which city 
.Mrs. Spam has maintained her home since the death of her husband. 
She takes an active interest in the work of the Presbyterian church, is a 
woman oi gentle refinement and gracious presence and retains the love 
of a wide circle of friends in the community where she has so long 
made her home. 



GEORGE RE \.\i. 



George Ream, now decea e ! won ;i place among the representative 
citizens and leading farmers of Union township, Champaign county, and 
is yet remembered, as be will be for years to come, by many who claimed 
him a- a friend. He was born in Dayton. Clark county, Ohio, May 28, 
[842. His lather. Andrew Ream, was a native of Pennsvlvania, r< 



27 



524 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

and educated there and when a young man came west, locating in Clark 
county. Here he was united in marriage to Annie Horner, a native oi 
that county, who spent her girlhood days within its borders. '1 his 
worthy couple became the parents of ten children of whom George Ream 
was the ninth in order of birth. All were born and reared in Clark 
county ami the family record is one of which the members have every 
reason to be proud. George Ream began his education in the district 
schools near his home and during the summer months worked in the 
fields, thus becoming familiar with all the duties and labors that con- 
stitute farm life. At the age of twenty-one he left school and home, 
coming to Champaign count}-, where throughout his remaining- days he 
made his home and wen honor as a public spirited and progressive citi- 
zen. He first stopped in Wayne township where he was employed as a 
farm hand through the autumn. He afterward removed to Union town- 
ship and there took up his abode upon the farm upon which he spent 
his remaining days and where his widow is yet living. He was married 
on this farm to Miss Sarah Madden, a native of Union township, who 
has a vivid recollection of the pioneer days of the county. She pursued 
her education in a log schoolhouse where the methods of instruction 
were somewhat primitive. Her father, Perry Madden, was a native of 
\ irginia and after arriving at years of maturity came to Champaign 
county, settling in Union township. There he remained for several years 
r.fter which he removed to another farm, making some improvements 
thereon. Mr. and Mr-. Ream began their domestic life upon what is 
known as the old farm homestead, 'hen comprising seventy-five acres, 
but the united efforts of tin- worthy couple resulted in the accumulation 
of a comfortable competence and they extended the boundaries of their 
farm until it comprised four hundred and forty-four acre- of richly im- 
proved land. Mr. Ream was a well known stock dealer, making a spe- 
i ialt^ of the raising of horses ami cattle, of which he always had some 
very fine grades upon his place. 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 525 

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ream were born two sons, Perry, whose birth 
occurred on the old homestead and is now deceased; and George, who 
owns an interest in the farm and looks after the cultivation and improve- 
ment of the land. The father served as justice of the peace for many 
i cars and was ever loyal to his official duties, his opinions being char- 
acterized by strict impartiality. He was a stanch Democrat and was well 
known throughout the county as a man of sterling worth who enjoyed 
and merited the friendship of all with whom he became associated. His 
son. George Ream, is well known as an enterprising citizen and is suc- 
cessfully carrying on the work instituted by his father. He was horn on 
the old homestead December 16, 1873, and received his education at the 
Ludlow District School No. 8. He assisted his father on the farm until 
the latter's death, since which time he has devoted his attention exclu- 
sively to the management of the estate. May 31. 1897, he was mar- 
ried to Miss Ann L., daughter of David and Emma ^Faulkner) Taylor, 
both of whom are still living, tiie father being a farmer of Salem town- 
ship. Mr. and Mrs. Ream have had four children, all hoys; Warren, 
born November 9, [895 ; I 'carl ; Earl, who died shortly after his birth on 
June 7, 1896; Otho, born June 2, 1890. Grandfather Thomas Taylor 
was a native of Virginia who came to this county in pioneer days and 
died about twenty-one years ago. Grandmother Lucy ( Chamberlain ) 
Taylor died in July, 1845, ami if she had lived until the day of her 
burial, her age would have been ninety-nine years. 



JOHN R. P. LACK". 

The residents of Salem township who have long remained within 
its borders and have been prominent in promoting the public welfare 
know that John R. Black deserves to be acci unted among the number. 
He was born February 20, 1848. in this township and has a large circle 



526 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

of friends and acquaintances throughout Champaign county, who esteem 
him for his genuine worth. The ancestry of the family can be traced 
back to Ireland, where lived Alexander Black, the great-great-grand- 
father of our subject. Attracted by the opportunities of the new world 
he left the green isle of Erin and braving the dangers of an ocean voyage 
at that time made his way to the new world, taking up his residence in 
Virginia. William Black, the great-grandfather of our subject, was a 
captain during the war of the Revolution and valiantly aided in the 
struggle of the colonies which resulted in the establishment of this 
republic. 

Alexander Black, the grandfather of our subject, was burn in Au- 
gusta county. Virginia, on the 14th of October, 1765. He, too, 
loyal tn the cause of liberty and when only fifteen years of age joined 
the colonial forces, but was not in active service during that period. At 
the age of twenty % years he crossed the mountains into Kentucky and 
lived in a fort called Stroud's Station, three miles from Winchester, for 
a period of three vears. While there he became well acquainted with 
Daniel Boone, the great Kentucky hunter and Indian tighter. In those 
days one heard nothing but the howl of the wolf and the whoop of 
Indians in "the dark and bloody land." as Kentucky was then called; 
in [792 he was married to Jane Crocket in Rockbridge county, Vir- 
ginia, and returned t<> Kentucky to make that his future home. He 
was with General Scott's Kentucky Volunteers, which marched to the 
front, and was with General Wayne when he gained his famous victory 
over the Indians on the Maumee in August, 1794. being wounded in 
the face in that battle. In 1809 he moved with his family to Champaign 
county, Ohio. During the wai of 1812 lie was a captain and with his 
guarded the frontier settlers against the attacks of Indians 
Tecumseh with his tribe of Shawnee- and Bateast with his tribe of Wyan- 
,; 'ttes having rebelled against the government and gone with the English, 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 527 

gave the settlers much trouble and they had to be on constant guard 
against them all the time of the war. Captain Black was always a warm 
persona] friend of General Simon Kenton, of pioneer tame in Ohio, they 
having lived neighbors for years. Like all of the old Indian lighters, he 
had no love for an Indian, as he had spent all of his younger days on the 
frontier fighting them. Captain Black died in 1854, his wife passing 
away ti\ e years later. 

[ames Black, the father of our subject, was horn in Clark county, 
Kentucky. February 8, [798, and he was a youth of eleven years when 
he accompanied his parents to Champaign county. Ohio, in the year 
[809 As a boy he enjoyed the experience and pleasure of pioneer life 
and at the same time bore his part in developing and improving the 
home farm. From the time of his arrival in this country he resided 
continuously in Champaign county, ami being very successtul in farm 
work, lus labors brought to him an excellent return in golden harvests. 
Being a man of powerful build he was well calculated to stand the 
hardships of an early pioneer life. After the close of the war of [812 
he was engaged in driving cattle and hogs for two hundred miles 
through an unbroken wilderness to Detroit. They had to ford all the 
.streams and rivers on the way. build fires at night to keep the panthers 
raid wolves at bay, lie on the ground in rain or snow and all kinds of 
weather during- the trip and had to go on foot all the way there and 
back. In early life James Black was a Henry Clay Whig, and had a per- 
sonal acquaintance with that celebrated leader and statesman. Later 
he joined the ranks of the Republican part}', to which he had ever given 
his stanch support. lie was a second cousin of Daw Crockett, the 
humorist and member of congress from Tennessee, through his mother, 
Jane Crockett Black. After arriving at years of maturity he married 
Caroline Culbertson, a native of Erie county, Pennsylvania, born Janu- 
ary 26, 1X10. Her father, James Culbertson, was a native of Lancaster 



528 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

county, Pennsylvania, and died in 1835. He served as a private in the 
war of [812, and in 1813 came to Champaign county. His father, 
Samuel Culbertson, was of English lineage and at the time of the Revo- 
lutionary war joined the colonial troops, fighting to throw* off the yoke 
of British oppression. His death occurred in Lancaster county, Penn- 
sylvania. Mrs. Black, the mother of our subject, died in Champaign 
count)', ( )hio, in the seventy-third year of her age. She was married in 
3832 and became the mother of three sons and. five daughters, all 1 if w In >m 
reached years of maturity, while seven of the number married. Three 
of the family are now deceased. The death of James Black occurred 
July 3, 1882. 

John R. Black, whose name forms the caption of this review, \va9 
the sixth child and second son. He was reared in Salem township and 
no event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life 
for him in his early youth. He worked in the field - - and attended the 
district schools, while later he became a student in the high school at 
West Libert}-. On putting aside his text-hooks he gave his time and 
energies to farming and stock-raising, making a specialty of the latter, 
and with that branch of business he was connected until [901, when he 
put aside business cares and is now living in honorable retirement from 
lab >r. 

December 9. 1886, occurred the marriage of Mr. Black and Miss 
Belle Bobbins, a native of Elunterdon county, Xew Jersey, born Sep- 
tember 21, 1856. She is a daughter of John and Rebecca ( Huff) Rob- 
bins, the former of whom died in West Liberty in [887, but her mother 
is still living. In the family are three children, one daughter and two 
sons: Maud. Wayne C. and Yale IX, aged respectively twelve, ten and 
eight years. 

In connection with bis brother, James \\'. Black, Mr. Black, of this 
review, owns about six hundred acres of good land, and our subject 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 529 

also has town property in West Liberty. He is likewise a sti >ckholder 
in the Farmers Bank of that place, and his brother is one of its directors. 
In politics he is an earnest advocate of the Republican part}', taking an 
active interest in its growth, and many times he has served as trustee 
of his township, having ever been efficient and faithful in the discharge 
of his official duties. For fifteen years he has been one of the board of 
managers for the Champaign County Agricultural Society and is vice- 
president at the present time. He has given much time and attention 
to the advancement of agriculture and the live stock industry for the 
Champaign county fair. Socially he is connected with the Masonic fra- 
ternity, in which be has attained the Templar degree, and lie also belongs 
to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of West Liberty, being one 
of its most progressive and active representatives. His life has ever 
been an exemplification of the beneficent spirit of those organizations. 
It has been in conformity with manly principles and has been guided 
by all that is true and bright. He has always resided in Champaign 
county, and those who have known him from boyhood are numbered 
among his stanchest friends. 



ISAAC N. DILTZ. 



Among the citizens of Cable to whom is vouchsafed an honored 
retirement from labor, as the reward of a long, active and useful busi- 
ness career, is Isaac Newton Diltz, who through an extended period was 
prominently connected with the agricultural interests of Champaign 
county, lie was born in Union township, this count}-. August 27 , 1833, 
and is descended from Joseph Diltz. his grandfather, who came from 
Pennsylvania to Ohio in a very early day. Wesley Diltz. the father of 
our subject, was a native son of the Buckeye state, his birth occurring 
in [801, and he became one of the early pioneers of Champaign county, 



53.0 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

and here his death occurred in 1882. He was a very active church 
worker, holding membership with the Methodist Episcopal denomina- 
tion, and was identified with Republican principles. For his wife he 
chose Cynthia Kennard. a native of Shelby county, Ohio, her father, 
John Kennard, having removed from Kentucky to that county in a very 
early day. She passed away in death at the age of eighty years. They 
became the parents of nine children, six daughters and three sons, and 
all but two reached years of maturity and four are still living, but our 
subject and his brother, John H., the latter of Urbana, are the only 
representatives of the family in Champaign county. 

Isaac X. Diltz, whose name introduces this review, was early 
inured to the labors of the farm, and throughout his active business 
career was extensively engaged m agricultural pursuits. His energy 
and enterprise, capable management and honorable dealing brought to 
him a comfortable competence, and therefore in 1899 he was able to put. 
aside all business cares and rest in the enjoyments of the fruits of his 
former toil. He now rents his valuable little farm of eighty-four acres 
and resides in Cable. In 1879 Mr. Diltz was united in marriage to Alice 
Woodward, and after her death Laura E. Diltz became his wife. She 
is a native daughter of Champaign count}-. The Republican party re- 
ceives Mr. Diltz's hearty support and co-operation, lie has ever labored 
earnestly for the progress and advancement of his locality, and in all 
the walk:- 1 1" life he is found true to duty and to the trust> reposed in him. 



WILLIAM M< >< )RE. 

The coming of William Moore, the gunsmith, to Champaign 
county in 1709 was brightened by ii" greeting from isolated neighbors, 
nor was there any indication that a pale-face would be a desirable acqui- 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 531 

sition i" lands hitherto the undisputed possession oi the Indian. Locali- 
ties wore marked by notches upon the primeval trees rather than by 
the calculations of a government surveyor, and wigwams furnished a 
style of architecture from which no departure had a^ vet been dreamed 
of. Yet this courageous forerunner of civilization, sturdy in heart and 
character as the oaks under which he slept at night, created in the wil- 
derness a home and competence for those dependent upon his care, and 
while clearing and cultivating his land reared to maturity a large family 
of children. 

The father of William Moore emigrated from Ireland long before 
the Revolutionary war and settled near Uniontown, Pennsylvania, where 
William was born. The latter married in his native state with Mary 
Temperance, and thereafter removed to Washington count}", Kentucky, 
where he met one Simon Kenton, enthusiastically in favor of removal to 
Ohio. It is not surprising that the searchers after better things listened 
with dawning faith to the tales of larger opportunities by which they 
were to be surrounded, predictions amply verified by the trend of subse- 
quent events. Conveyed to their destination by ox-teams and wagons, 
the travelers settled near the present site of Crbana, from which location 
Mr. Moore in after life removed to Logan county, this state, where his 
death eventually occurred. Innumerable evidences of his presence in 
the early days is the heritage of those who now- profit by his pioneer 
struggles. Numerous streams were named by him, notably Mad river 
and Buck creek, and upon the latter sprang into existence the town of 
Mo- rt'ield. the name a tribute to the honor in which he was he'd. The 
children born into the family inherited to a large degree the thrift and 
industry of their sire, as well as a share of the patience and endurance 
of one of those pioneer mothers upon whom the trials and deprivations 
of the times fell with such resistless force. 

Colonel Thomas Moore, one of the most influential of the sons 



532 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

of William Moore, was born in Washington county. Kentucky, and ac- 
companied his parents on the memorable journey to Champaign county 
in 1799. The rank of colonel was won during his association with the 
county militia, a service covering several years. A tanner by preferred 
occupation, he was also extensively engaged in general farming, and his 
all-around enterprise and ability brought him in contact with mam' effi un- 
toward the general upbuilding of the locality. He lived to be sixty-nine 
years of age. while his wife, who was formerly Reliance Bates, died at 
the age of forty-seven years. Mrs. Moore was a native of (thin, and 
when a child came to> Madison county, where she was reared, and edu- 
cated in the public schools. To Mr. and Airs. Thomas Moore were born 
the following children: William Henry; Washington; Jesse S.. who is 
a merchant in Mechanicsburg ; Mary Temperance; John; Thomas; and 
Emaline. Of these, Henry. Mary Temperance, John, Thomas and 
Emaline are deceased. Mr. Moore was a member of the Methodist 
church, with which denomination most of the other members of his fam- 
ily were connected. 

The third generation of the Moore family in Champaign county 
is represented by the children of Colonel Moore, one of the best knowtn 
of whom is William B. Moore, named for his grand-sire, lie was born 
in Logan county, Ohio. January 23, 1825, and when a year old was 
brought tn thi> county, which has since been his home. For man) years 
he engaged in the management of a tannery with marked success, but 
of late years has been interested in farming. His marriage with 1 lettie 
Dye lias resulted in the birth of live children, viz: Harry, 11. Clay, 
Thomas, Mabel and Minnie. Mr. Moore is a Republican in national 
politics, and he enjoys an enviable reputation in the community of which 
he is a progressive and In mured citizen. 

The precedent established by Colonel Moore has been maintained 
by yet another sun, Jesse S. Moore, a native of Champaign county, and 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 533- 

born in 1832. Mr. Moore was reared on the paternal homestead, edu- 
cated in the early subscription schools, and has been a resident of Me- 
chanicsburg since 1856. During that year he entered upon an active 
business career as a clerk in a dry-goods store. After learning all about 
the dry goods trade from the bottom up he started an independent enter- 
prise along the same line in 1874. and has since been successful in cater- 
ing to a large and appreciative patronage. In his young manhood Mr. 
Mm .re married Mary M. Rutan, and of this union there are two chil- 
dren. Percy T. and Frank D. In the city which has witnessed his great- 
est success in life Mr. Moore is esteemed for his sterling worth and 
unquestioned devotion to the public well-being. 

Three of the sons of Colonel Thomas Moore were soldiers of the 
Civil war. Washington, whose occupation was that of a groceryman, 
lose to the rank of first lieutenant of his company. He first married 
Jennie Dye and several years after her death was married to Annie 
Climer. by which union there were two sons, Roy and Hugh. Henry 
and Thomas Moore also served as soldiers during the great civil conflict 
and the former reached the rank of captain of his company. 



w \shi xerox loudexback. 

On a well improved farm in section 11, Mad River township, 
Champaign county, the subject of this review has maintained his home 
during the entire course of a long and active life, being a son of one of 
the first settlers in this section of the state and standing as one of the 
honored and representative citizens ol the county. 

Mr. Loudenback was born on his present homestead on the nth 
of November, 1826, being the son of Reuben and Mary 1 Wiante) Loud- 
enback. both of whom were bom in the OOd Dominion state 1 E Vir- 



534 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

ginia, the father having been of German descent, as the name implies. 
lie came to Champaign county when a young man and took up a tract 
of wild land in Mad River township, establishing his home in the midst 
of the towering forest and setting to himself the arduous task of re- 
claiming the land for cultivation. Here he passed the remainder of his 
life, respected by all who knew him and doing his part in forwarding 
the development of this now opulent and attractive section of the Buck- 
eye state. His wife came to Champaign county when a young woman, 
and here occurred her marriage to Mr. Loudenback, whom she survived 
by many years, attaining the age of three score years and ten. while her 
husband passed away at the age of forty-three years. They became the 
parents oi tour sons and five (laughters, all of whom attained years oi 
maturity and were married, with the exception of one daughter, the 
subject of this review having been the fifth in order of birth and one of 
the number who survive at the present time. He was reared in his na- 
tive township, growing up under the sturdy discipline implied in clear- 
ing away the forest and cultivating the fields thus produced, while he 
horc also his share of the hardships and privations necessarily involved, 
the family home in the days of his youth being one of the pioneer log 
cabins of the primitive type common to the locality and period, while 
such educational privileges as were his were affi rded in the little log 
school house, with its puncheon floor, slab benches and wide, yawning 
fireplace. True friendship, honesty and integrity and no small amount 
oi good cheer were typical in the early days, and the discipline was such 
as to engender strong mental and physical vigor, integrity, kindliness 
and a high regard for the dignit) of honest toil and endeavor, so that, 
as the shadows of life begin to lengthen, and while surrounded by the 
conveniences and comforts typical of the twentieth century. Mr. Louden- 
back finds pleasure in reverting to the scenes and incidents of the early 
davs. 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 53 5 

Our subject remained on the homestead farm after attaining his 
majority, and in this township, on the 25th oi September, 1851, was 
solemnized his marriage to Miss Sarah Taylor, who was horn in Mad 
River township, being the daughter of Benjamin Taylor, one of its 

red pioneers and the eldest in a family of three children, of whom 
two are living at the present time. Mr. and Mrs. Loudenback are the 
parents of six children, namely: Mary ]., Sarah C, Asa TV, Mildred, 
Jennie and Simeon, none of whom are married except Jennie and 
Simeon. Simeon is engaged in the real estate business in Chicago. Mr. 
Loudenback has made the best of improvements on his farm, which 
comprises one hundred and eighty-three acres, and no man is more highly 
esteemed than he in the township where he has thus passed his entire 
life, attaining success through strenuous and well directed effort and 
contributing by influence and tangible aid to those legitimate under- 
takings through which the general good is conserved. In politics he has 
ever given a stanch allegiance to the Democratic party, hut ha- never 
been an aspirant for political office. 



MARION GUTHRIDG1 

For a number of years an active factor in the industrial interests 
in Mingo. Marion Guthridge, through his diligence, perseverance and 
business ability, has acquired a handsome competence and has also con- 
tributed to the general prosperity through the conduct of an enterprise 
which has furnished employment to many. A native son of Wayne 
township. Champaign c< unty, Ohio, his birth here occurred on the 20th 
of September, [848. Mi- mother. Polly Ainsworth Guthridge, is 

i Champaign unty, ' >hio, where -he is still living at the age of 
seventy-four years, and a daughter of William and Fanny (Kimble) 



536 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

Guthridge, William being born in Virginia, while his mother was born 
in Vermont. 

.Marion Guthridge has spent his entire life in the county of his 
nativity, and in its district schools received his early educational train- 
ing, while later he became a student in the high school of Cable. When 
the Civil was was inaugurated be was but a lad of fifteen years, but nobly 
offered his services in defense of the starry banner, becoming a member 
of Company F, One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Ohio Volunteer In- 
fantry, enlisting on the 2d of May. [864. He served through bis term 
of enlistment as a private and at its close he received an honorable dis- 
charge at Columbus, Ohio, on the 1st of September, 1804. Return- 
ing thence to his mother's home at Cable, he remained with her for a 
time and in the spring of 1865 removed to IVLingo, where for the fi low- 
ing three years he found employment in a sawmill. On the expiratii n 
of that period, in 1868, he purchased the property and has since con- 
ducted the mill, which is now the largest of its kind in the county, and 
in addition to this valuable property he is also the owner of a farm in 
Wayne township, which he rent-. 

In the year 18-3 Mr. Guthridge was united in marriage to Agnes 
Hunter, a daughter of Thomas Hunter, and to this union were torn 
three children. — Edgar, who married Edith Callahan and is the efficient 
station agent at Rittman. Wayne county, Ohio; Thomas, who died in 
infancy; and Walter, of Easier, Wyoming, where he is working as an 
operator on the Union Pacific Railroad. The mother was called to the 
home beyond on the 6th of March, 1883, and on the 27th of May, [885, 
Mr. Guthridge was united in marriage to Ella Z. Robinson, a daughter 
of the Rev. J. M. Robinson, a member of the Cincinnati conference for 
twenty-eight years, and now deceased. Mrs. Guthridge is the second 
child and the second daughter in order of birth in her parents' family, 
and -he was born at Mount Repose, Clermont county, Ohio. Air. Guth- 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 537 

ridge is a stanch suporter of Republican principles, and for eleven years 
has served his township as its treasurer. 1 le is a member of John Briney 
Post, G. A. K.. of North Lewisburg, and is also identified with the Ma- 
sonic fraternity, holding- membership in the blue lodge and chapter in 
North Lewisburg, and in the commandery at Urbana. lie i> also a 
member of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics. Both he 
and his wife are worthy and active members of the Methodist Epis- 
copal church, in which he has served as a recording secretary for ten 
years and for a long period has been the superintendent of the Sunday- 
schi " A. 



GRANT V. FROMME. 

Connected with a profession which has important bearing upon 
the stable prosperity and progress of the community and stands as a 
conservator of human rights and liberties, Grant V. Fromme has already 
obtained a creditable position at the bar of Champaign county, although 
lie is yet a young man. He was born in the town of Saint Paris, June 3, 
[866, and is a son of John Frederick Fromme, a native of Germany, 
who on leaving the fatherland when about twenty-six years of age 
crossed the Atlantic to the new world and located first in Dayton, ( )hio. 
Soon afterward, however, he came to Champaign county, and took up 
his abode in Saint Paris, where for many years he was engaged in the 
furniture and undertaking business, but is now living retired in the en- 
joyment o! a rest which he has richly earned and deserves, his home 
being still in Saint Paris. Pie was married there many years ago to 
Franceska Carlo, a daughter of Dr. Moretz Carlo, and a native of 
Champaign county. She died in 1896, at the age of fifty-nine years. 
By their marriage there were born six children, five sons and one 
daughter. 



533 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

Grant V. Fromme was reared in Saint Paris and there attended 
the public schools, graduating in the high school in the year 1883. He 
afterward spent one year in the Ohio Normal University at Ada but 
in the meantime had engaged in teaching for three years. From Ada 
he went to Cincinnati, where he became a student in the law school 
and was graduated in 1889, being admitted to the bar in the same year. 
In the fall of 1889 he located at Van Wert, Ohio, and became a law 
partner of Horace G. Richie, practicing law there fur three years. He 
then returned to Champaign county, and has since been a member of 
the L'rbana Liar, being connected with much of the important litigation 
tried in the courts of this district. In 189(8 Mr. Fromme married Miss 
Nora McMorran, of Champaign, and they have one child, Eloise. In 
politics our subject is a Republican and is prominent in the councils of 
his party in this locality. He is a pleasant, genial gentleman and in 
manner is unassuming, is thoroughly honest and his business methods 
will hear the closest inspection. He is admired by his fellow men, and 
for these and other excellent traits of character well deseryes mention 
among the representatiye citizens of * hampaign county. 



JOSEPH W. DAVIS. 

\s general history is hut composite biography ii naturally follows 
that the deepest human interest in study and investigation must lie 
along those line- where thought has engendered achievement, not less 
for the genera] than the individual good. In any locality where progress 
has left 'is consecutive tracings there must e\er he a dominant interest 
in reverting i<> the lives which have been an integral part of such ad- 
vancement, — whether on the lofty plane of "massive deeds and great," 




■ 




f 








CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 54* 

or on the more obscure levels where honest purpose and consecutive en- 
deavor play their part not less nobly and effectively. The Buckeye state 
is peculiarly .rich in historic lore, and it can net but. be a matter of 
gratification to find in these latter days of electrical progress that to the 
favored commonwealth remains a numerous progeny of those who stood 
as founders and builders of the state's prosperity. In the case at hand 
we are permitted to touch briefly upon the life history of one who is a 
native son of the city of Mechanicsburg, Champaign county, where 
he has ably upheld the high reputation maintained by his honored father, 
Ik ith as a citizen and a business man, while it was his to render yeoman 
service as one of Ohio's loyal sons who went forth in defense of the 
Union when its integrity was menaced by armed rebellion. "Peace hath 
its victories no less renowned than war,'' said Sumner, and this fact 
has been proven often and again, as the march of progress has con- 
tinued with ever accelerating speed. But the crucial period and the 
one which evokes the most exalted patriotism is that when a nation's 
honor is in jeopardy, its integrity threatened and the great ethic prin- 
ciples of right involved. Then is sterling manhood roused to definite 
protest and decisive action, and above all the tumult and horror of in- 
ternecine conflict never can greater honor be paid than to him who 
aids in holding high the standard which represents the deeper principles, 
hurling oppression back and keeping the boon of liberty. The military 
career of the subject of this review is one which will ever redound to 
his honor as a loyal and devoted son of the republic, and as one whose 
courage was that of his convictions, and yet one who was content to 
fight for principle and for his country's righteous cause rather than for 
mere glory in arms or relative precedence. That he is eminently en- 
titled to consideration in a publication of this nature is self-evident, and 
as one who has played well his part in connection with the public, civic, 
industrial and military affairs of Champaign county we are gratified to 
here offer a resume of his career, thus perpetuating a most worthy record. 

28 



542 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

Joseph Ware Davis, who is successfully engaged in the furniture 
and undertaking business in Mechanicsburg, is a native of this town, 
where he was born on the 30th of October, 184.2, being a son of John 
M. and Affalandert (Pearce) Davis, the former of whom was one of 
the honored and prominent business men of Mechanicsburg in the 
early daws, having been engaged in the same line of enterprise as is our 
subject and having continued operations in this direction for a period 
of nearly twenty years, ever commanding the confidence -and esteem 
of the community and being known as a man of unbending integrity 
of purpose. He was significantly the artificer of his own fortunes, since 
he was thrown upon his own resources when a mere boy, but this un- 
fortunate contingency, involved in the death of his parents, was not 
sufficiently potent to greatly handicap the career of the ambitious and 
self-reliant youth, who bent circumstance to his will and advanced to a 
position of independence through his own efforts. John M. Davis was 
born in the city of Carlisle, Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, and 
he was left an orphan at the age of three years, a circumstance which 
naturally clouded his youth to a considerable degree, in that it threw 
him upon immature and unsatisfactory resources. However, lie availed 
himself of such advantages as presented, and in preparing for the active 
responsibilities of life he learned the carpenter's trade, in the city oi 
Philadelphia, becoming a skilled artisan in the line and thus being 
adequately equipped for the battle of life, As a young man he came 
to Ohio and located in the city of Urbana, Champaign county, where 
he made his home for some time and where he nearly lost his life in 
the memorable cyclone of 1832, his few worldly possessions being also 
practically destroyed at the time. He took up his residence in Me- 
chanicsburg in 1835, and here success came to him as the result of his 
energetic and honorable efforts, for, as a furniture dealer and under- 
taker, he secured a large supporting patronage and attained a fair com- 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 543 

petence. He was a director of the underground railroad and was one 
of the first six to vote the abolition ticket in MechanicSburg. He was 
conscientious in feeding and assisting the slave in his mad to libertv. 
believing it was not in accordance with Gods will. His death, in 1884. 
at the age of seventy-eight years, terminated a career of signal useful- 
ness and honor. He held membership in the Methodist Protestant 
church, while his devoted wife, a woman of gentle and noble attributes 
of character, was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. She 
survived him by more than a decade, entering into eternal rest in 1896, 
at the venerable age of eighty-seven years, secure in the love and filial 
solicitude of her children, whom she had reared to years of useful- 
ness and honor. 

Joseph Ware Davis, the subject of this sketch, secured his early 
educational discipline in the public schools of Mechanicsburg and here 
he learned the cabinetmaker's trade in his youth, having just com- 
pleted his trade at the time when the dark cloud of civil war cast its 
gruesome pall over the national horizon. He was among the first to 
tender his services in defense of the Union, for three years' service, since 
on the 9th of August, 1861, he enlisted as a private in Company B, 
Thirty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for a term of three years, and 
in 1863 he veteranized, re-enlisting in the same company and being 
promoted to the office of commissary sergeant of his regiment, while 
at the time of receiving his honorable discharge, on the 18th of July, 
1865, he held the office of lieutenant, being mustered out with this 
rank. During the first year of his service he was with his command 
in Virginia, and at Harper's Ferry he was taken prisoner by the Con- 
federate forces, but was eventually exchanged, after which he accom- 
panied his regiment to the southwest, being assigned to Logan's division 
and McPherson's corps, with which he participated in the movements 
and engagements of the Army of the Tennessee, taking an active part 



544 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

in the siege of Vicksburg. He was an eye witness to the meeting of 
Generals Grant and Pemberton between the Confederate and Union 
lines, which resulted in the surrender of the army that had so ably de- 
fended the city for forty days, and on the following day, July 4. 1863, 
he marched with Logan's division into the city. Later he was with 
Sherman in the Atlanta campaign and the memorable march to the sea,. 
making the long and weary march through the Carolinas. His active 
service terminated with the surrender of General Joseph Johnston, at 
Raleigh. North Carolina, and after the great victory crowned the Union 
arms he proceeded with his command to the city of Washington, where 
he took part in the grand review of the victorious armies. From the 
federal capital the regiment proceeded to Louisville, Kentucky, where 
Mr. Davis received his honorable discharge, his record having been that 
of a valiant and faithful soldier. He retains the most lively ci mcern 
in all that touches the welfare of his old comrades in arms, w hi >se ranks 
are being so rapidly decimated by the one invincible foe of mankind, 
and he is ever ready to recall the kindlier associations of that crucial 
epoch with which he was so closely identified as a soldier of the Re- 
public. He is prominently identified with the Grand Army of the 
Republic, being a member of Stephen Baxter Post, No. 8, in his home 
city, and his popularity in the same has been shown in his having served 
a-- commander of the post for three terms. 

After the ciosc of the war Mr. Davis returned to his native city, 
and here he turned his attention to contracting and building, in which 
line he gained prestige and success. His interest in public affairs ha? 
I011- been of vital order and he has figured as one of the uncompro- 
mising supporters of the principles and policies of the Republican party, 
in whose council^ and cause he has plaved an active part. He served 
lor nine years as a member of the city council of Mechanicsburg, was 
for three years incumbent of the office fi treasurer of < roshen township, 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 545 

and for eight years he rendered efficient service as a member of the 
local hoard of education. A further mark of the confidence and esteem 
reposed in him by the people of his native count}' was that shown in 
1888, when he was elected to the office of treasurer of Champaign 
county, giving - an able and discriminating administration of the fiscal 
affairs and being chosen his own successor at the expiration of his first 
term of two years, so that he was consecutively in tenure of the office 
for a period of four years, during which he resided in the city of tr- 
bana, the official center of the county. Upon retiring from office a 
resumption of his former vocation seemed inexpedient, and Mr. Davis 
therefore turned his attention to the line of enterprise in which his 
father had been so prominently engaged, and he has built up an ex- 
cellent business, having a large and comprehensive stock of furniture and 
having the best modern equipment as a funeral director. His correct 
business methods and his personal popularity have conserved the suc- 
cess of his enterprise and he is numbered among the progressive and 
representative business men of his native city. He and his wile are 
both zealous members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in vvnose work 
they take an active part, and fraternally our subject is identified with 
Mechanicsburg Lodge, No. 113. F. & A. M., of which he was worship- 
ful master for a period of three years. He has ever shown a marked 
appreciation ot the duties of citizenship, and his public spirit instigates 
an intelligent and helpful co-operation in all measures for the general 
good of the community in which he has passed practically his entire life. 
On the 17th of Septembei , 1868, Mr. Davis was united in mar- 
riage to Miss Mollie Jones, who was likewise born in Mechanicsburg. 
being a daughter of Robert and Nancy Jones, one of the pioneers of 
this county. Mr. and Mrs. Davis became the parents of three children, 
of whom two are living, namely: Hallie G.. who is the wife of Harry 
Ridge, of Cincinnati: and David Thomas, who is associated with his 



546 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

father in business. The great loss and bereavement which came to Mr. 
and Mrs. Davis in the death of their elder son, John Robert, constitutes 
the only great shadow which has fallen upon their long and ideal mar- 
ried life. A young man of noble character and one who had made 
for himself a place of value in connection with the active duties of 
life, while he held the most unequivocal esteem of a wide circle of 
friends, he was cut down in his gracious youth, leaving that void in the 
hearts of his lived ones that can not be filled, though there must ever 
be a measure of consolation and compensation in knowing how truly 
and worthily he had lived his life. 

John Robert Davis was torn in Mechanicsburg on the 17th of 
April, 1S73, an< l ne was summoned into eternal rest on the 5th of April, 
1902, at Phoenix, Arizona, whither he had gone in the hope of recuperat- 
ing his health. His life was spent almost in its entirety in his native 
place, though his education was finished in Urbana while his father 
was there living as incumbent of the office of county treasurer. There 
he entered the Swedenborgian College, but later became a student in the 
Urbana high school, where he was graduated as a member of the class 
of 1 888. From his earl}' years he had manifested a desire to identify 
himself with the banking business, ami as preparatory to duties in this 
line he was matriculated in the Eastman Business College, in the city 
of Poughkeepsie, New York, where he was graduated in 1892. Soon 
afterward a vacancy occurred in the office corps of the Farmers' Bank, 
in his home city, and he was chosen to fill the office, which he prac- 
tically held until his death. The cashier of the bank gave the follow- 
ing tribute to the voting man at the time of his death: "Rob came to 
work at the bank in March, 1894, and up to the time he began to fail 
in health, in the summer of 1901. he was absent from the bank very few 
working days. Rob was an ideal bank man. Xot once did he pre- 
sume upon his position; not once, even in the smallest way, did he 




c f^ 3 4 



"S^ 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 547 

betray a confidence either of his employers or the bank's custi imers. All 
three of the presidents under whom he served appreciated his sterling 
worth and loved him as a son. He enjoyed his work and never shirked 
or complained, no matter how great the provocation. It can truly be 
said that lie never spoke an unkind word to any officer in the bank. He 
was loved by all.— so much so that the thought of electing his suc- 
cessor was not considered until hope of his recovery could be no longer 
entertained. We gladly took on his work for several months, with the 
hope that rest and change would see him well again. He came back 
from his trip to the east in excellent spirits, but it soon became apparent 
that he was getting through with his work only by the greatest effort. 
Realizing his condition finally, he manfully faced the situation and asked 
us to elect his successor. In contemplating the. loss of Rob from the 
bank and from our circle of true friends the final words of the Rev. Dr. 
Marley at the funeral of Uncle Dick Williams came forcibly to our 
minds. 'We will never see his like again." ' We can not refrain from 
quoting farther from. a memoir contributed to the Mechanicsburg News 
by J. M. Mulford: "Robert Davis' life fully carried out Cardinal New- 
man's idea of a gentleman, he 'never inflicted pain,' but he was more 
than that, he was a Christian gentleman. — 'the noblest type of man- 
hood.' His activity in church work began in Urbana, when he united 
with the Presbyterian church. He remained a communicant of the faith 
for several years. Upon returning to this city (Mechanicsburg) he 
became nn attendant of the Church of Our Savior, and when the Christ- 
mastide of 1900 was approaching he felt it to be his duty to be con- 
firmed. From that time he was happy in all his relations to the church, 
at home making it the subject o+* much conversation, and -pending much 
time with the prayer book. It was in the family circle that the warmth 
of Rob's love was most manifest. Hi- father says. 'Roll never gave me 
an unkind word,' and though he loved dearly all the family his devotion 



5 4§ CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

to his mother was ideal. His life was quiet, yet it did not limit the 
circle of his friends. All who knew him knew him but to love. A 
merchant said to me yesterday, 'Rob needs no eulogy; his life was 
almost Christlike,' and his brother-in-law, Mr. Ridge, spoke volumes 
when he said, 'To be in Rob's presence for ten minutes made one a 
better man.' Such tributes as these are bright gems in the casket of 
jewels made up of the precious memories of his life. Robert Davis is 
gone. His life was a blessing; may his death be a benediction to us 
all." Of the estimate placed upon this noble young man by those who 
knew him best the foregoing words are significant, and the infinite life 
gained a new glory when death placed its seal upon his mortal lips. 



HARTLAND D. GOWEY. 

Respected by all who know him, Mr. Gowey well deserves repre- 
sentation in this work and with pleasure we present his life record to 
our readers. He resides in North Lewisburg and is a native of New 
\ nrk. Iii- birth having occurred in Nelson, Madison county, on the 20th 
of November, 1821. His paternal grandfather was of Holland lineage, 
the family being founded in America in 1630 by ancestors who came 
to New York. The Judson family, from whom our subject is de- 
scended in the maternal line, is of English lineage and was established 
in Connecticut on the Connecticut river above Hartford. Her father, 
John Gowey, was a native of Vermont, born in Arlington, December 
29, 170 1. and married Fannie Judson in his native place on the 7th of 
October, [811. In 1S21 they removed to Xew York, there making their 
home until 1837. m which year they became residents of Ohio, but in 
1852 went to Iowa and located upon a farm, where they spent their 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 549 

remaining days. The father's death occurred in his ninety-eighth year. 
He had ten children, all of whom reached adult age, were married and 
reared families. The mother was about eighty-six years of age at the 
time of her death. She was a relative of the first Indian missionary who 
went into the wilds of the west. This worthy couple traveled life's 
journev together for sixty-four years, their mutual love and confidence 
increasing as time passed. Their children were: Galesey, born in 1819; 
Hartland D., horn in 1821 ; Arvilla. in 1823; Rolland, in [825; Florian, 
in 1827: Ossian J., in 1829; Lovancia. in 1831; John F., in 1833: and 
Floretta H.. in 1835. Of this family only two are now deceased. Flor- 
ian died at Millikens Bend while serving in the Civil war and Holland 
died in 1896. 

Mr. Gowev, of this review, was the second child and eldest son of 
his father's family. His early education was obtained in a cabin in the 
pine woods of Allegany county. New York, and the methods of instruc- 
tion were somewhat primitive. In 1837 he accompanied his parents to 
Ohio, the family locating in Licking county. When he was but dxteen 
years of age he began teaching school in that county and followed the 
profession continuously for twenty years. In 1844 he came to Cham- 
paign county and was identified with educational work in tins portion 
of the state until two decades had passed. In 1853 he was appointed 
postmaster of North Lewisburg and held the office continuously until 
18S6. ci \ cnng a period of thirty-three years. For ten years he was 
mayor of the town, being elected to that office first in 1853 and again 
in 1803. He was justice of the peace for six years and was recorder 
and clerk of the town for thirty years. He has also been scb •• i\ exam- 
iner, and for thirty-three years was notary public. He filled many other 
local offices, discharging his duties with a promptness and fidelity 
above question. 

My. Gowev was married in 1846 to Miss Eliza A. Willey, and 



5 SO CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

unto them were born two sons. John Franklin Gowey. the eldest of 
these, was born in North Lewisburg, December 7. 1846, and pursued his 
education in the Ohio- Wesleyan University. On the iotli of May, 
1869, lie was admitted to the bar and attained prominence in his pro- 
fession. From 1873 until 1875 he was a member of the Ohio legisla- 
ture and from 1876 until 1880 was prosecuting attorney of Champaign 
county. Later he was appointed registrar of the United States Land 
Office at Olympia. Washington, acting in that capacity from 1882 until 
1886. and from iSSj until 1888 was a member of the territorial legis- 
lature. He attained prominence not only in political circles there but 
also in business life and in 1888 was chosen president of the First Na- 
tional Bank of Olympia. On the 25th of April, 1867, he married Clara 
McDonald, a daughter of James and Rachel McDonald, of Woodstock,. 
Champaign county, Ohio. They had one son. Franklin McDonald, born 
June 4, 1869. Mr. Gowey was married the second time, November 3, 
1886, to Georgiana Stevens, who was born at Lowell, Massachusetts, 
September 23, 1852, a daughter of Dearborn and Olive B. (James) 
Stevens. Mr. Gowey died at Yokohama. Japan, while serving as consul- 
general, in 1900. He was a prominent thirty-third degree Mason and 
had attained a position of distinction in national affairs and in business 
life. 

Marcus C. Gowey. the younger son of our subject, was born in 
1848, became a prominent attorney and is now living in North Lewis- 
burg. He was married January 3, 1872, to Marando L. Mumford, 
daughter of M. H. and Lydia ( Bennett) Mumford, and they are now 
living in their beautiful home on Townsend street which they have 
occupied for the last ten years. Mr. Gowey is still practicing law in this 
village. He has been a member of .Masonic Blazing Star Lodge, No. 
21 >X. of Lewisburg. for thirty years. ,,f Chapter Star. No. 120, R. A. M., 



CEXTEXXIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 55t 

Raper Commandery, No. 19. of Urbana, and also a member of Launce- 
lot Lodge. Knights of Pythias, of Urbana. 

At the present time our subject is filling the position of observer 
for the government weather bureau, making reports each week. He is 
a very prominent Mason, served as master of his lodge for eight ears 
and for two years was high priest of Star Chapter. R. A. M. He 1- -ne 
of the best known men of the county and his labors have contributed in 
a large measure to the public progress and improvement. His worth is 
widely acknowledged, for in public office he was ever a faithful cus- 
todian of the affairs of the town and county. s< 1 that over the record of 
his career there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil. 



OLIVER P. JENKINS. 

Oliver Perry Jenkins, one of the best known and most highly 
esteemed pioneers of Wayne township. Champaign county, was born 
in what is now Cable, in this county. December 16. 1816. His paternal 
grandfather, Richard Jenkins, was born in Virginia, but in a very early 
day took up his abode in the Buckeye state, and his death here occurred 
in Fayette county. His son and the father of our subject. William 
Jenkins, was born, reared and married in the Old Dominion, and in 
1S10 came to Wayne township. Champaign county, where for a time he 
rented a farm of a Mr. Taylor. In 1S1S he located on the place on 
which our subject now resides, but the land was then covered with dense 
woi ds, and its only improvements consisted of a small log cabin. On 
this old homestead he spent the remainder of his life, being called to his 
final rest at the age of seventy-two vears. He was a life-long farmer, 
and a few vears before his death united with the Christian church. 






5 52 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

In the early days he gave his political support to the Whig party and 
after the organization of the new Republican party he joined its ranks 
and ever afterward remained a true and loyal supporter of its principles. 
Mr. Jenkins was twice married, choosing for his first wife a Miss Will- 
iams, by whom he had two daughters and three sons, but all are now- 
deceased. After her death he married Miss Anna Spiders, a native also 
of the Old Dominion, and there her death occurred at the age of fifty 
years. Unto this union were born three children, two sons and a 
daughter. 

Oliver P. Jenkins, the only son and the second child of the above 
family, was but two years of age when the family located on the farm 
on which he now resides, and during his youth he attended the old log- 
school house in the neighborhood. On this old homestead he has lived 
for eighty-three years, and he, too, has been a life-long farmer, his labors 
in his chosen calling having brought to him a handsome competence. Mr. 
Jenkins was first married in August, 1838, when Mi>s Julia Elsworth 
became his wife, and they had four children, namely: William, de- 
ceased: Mary, the wife of Jasper Hess, of Iowa; Susan, also deceased; 
and Julia Ann. who is yet unmarried and makes her home in Cham- 
paign county. On the 28th of June, 1846. Mr. Jenkins was united in 
marriage to Catherine Sallie, a native of Clark county, Ohio. Six 
children have blessed this union: Richard, James, John W., Lorana, 
Etta and Charlie. All of the children were born in the old family home 
where the Jenkinses have so long resided. Our subject united with the 
Methodist Protestant church in 1839, and is still an honored member of 
that denomination, in which he has long held the office of steward. He 
donated the land on which the present church now stands, and in the 
churchyard he has a family vault. In political matters he has been a 
life-long Republican, and prior to the organization of that party he 
looted with the Whigs. His first presidential vote was cast for General 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 553- 

Harrison in 1840. He is one of the most honored and highly esteemed 
citizens of his community, and it is safe to say that no man in Wayne 
township has a wider circle of friends and acquaintances than Oliver 
Perry Jenkins. 



CHARLES DAGGER. 

Charles Dagger, a well known farmer residing in Concord town- 
ship, is one of Champaign county's native sons, born in Concord town- 
ship May 7, 1823. His paternal grandfather. Peter Dagger, was a 
native of Pennsylvania, but his death occurred in Virginia. He was a 
Revolutionary hero, having served for about three years under General 
Washington. John Dagger, the father of our subject, was a native 
of Botetourt county, Virginia, and when about twenty years of age 
removed to Miami county, Ohio, where he made his home with his ma- 
ternal grandparents for about one years. In the spring of 1816 he came 
to Champaign county, taking up his abode in Concord township, on An- 
derson's creek, where he cleared and improved a farm of one hundred 
and eight acres. About 1830 he entered another tract, consisting of one 
hundred and twenty acres, which he also cleared and improved, except 
four acres of woodland. In Miami county, Ohio, Mr. Dagger was 
united in marriage to Elizabeth Bousman. a native of Rockbridge 
county, Virginia. In a very early day, however, she came with her 
parents to the Buckeye state, they being among the earliest settlers of 
the county. The union was blessed with nine children, as follows : 
.Mary. Phebe and Peter, deceased; Charles, of this review; Lawrence, 
also deceased ; Sarah; Angeline; Jane, deceased; Armenta. Mr. Dag- 
ger passed away in death in Urbana in 1871. at the ripe old age of sev- 
enty-six. He was bom in 1795. He was a Whig in his political belief 
and was a supporter of John Fremont. 



554 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

Charles Dagger, whose name introduces this review, attended the 
schools of his native township until his twenty-second vear, but during 
that lime had also served as an instructor, and after putting" aside his 
text-books he assisted in the work of the home farm. In 1844 he drove 
a team to Virginia, where he remained for about three weeks, and after 
his return home again gave his father the benefit of his services. When 
about twenty-five years of age he left the parental roof, purchasing and 
removing to a farm of seventy acres in Concord township, on which he 
made his home from 1849 until 1858. after which he sold that place 
and purchased a farm in Shelby county, Ohio. In addition to his farm- 
ing property he also owned an interest in a warehouse in that county, 
but after a residence there of one year he returned to the old Dagger 
homestead, where he devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits for the 
following four years. On the expiration of that period he located on 
one hundred and fifty-seven acres of his present farm, to which he has 
since added until its boundaries now contain two hundred and thirty- 
seven acres of excellent land, on which he has erected many substantial 
and valuable improvements. 

Mr. Dagger was married in 1848, when Miss Barbara Whitmore 
became his wife. She was born in Mad River township, Champaign 
county, June 8, 1828, ami in the county of her birth her entire life has 
been passed. Her parents were both natives of the Old Dominion, but 
in a very early day they came to this county. They were the parents 
of six children, four of whom are now living, and all were born in Cham- 
paign. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Dagger have been born ten children, namely : 
Ji ihn, deceased ; Kathenne, win 1 i^ die wife of A. "\Y. ( irumurman, a farm- 
er of Mad River township; Elizabeth, deceased; Jacob; Frank: Emma, 
Jane and Simon, also deceased; Charles: and Anna, deceased. All were 
born in Champaign county with the exception of Emma, who had her 
nativity in Shelby county, Ohio. The familv are members of the Method- 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 555 

ist Episcopal church. The Republican party has always found in Mr. 
Dagger a stalwart supporter of its principles and his aid has never been 
withheld from any enterprise which he believed calculated to advance the 
moral, intellectual or material welfare of his township or county. 



WILLIAM CALLAXD. 

From an early period in the history of the development of Cham- 
paign county the name of Calland has been prominently connected with 
the agricultural interests of this locality. The subject of this review is 
one of the county's adopted sons, his birth having occurred in Noble 
county on the 25th of August, 1819. His father, William Calland. was 
a native of the far-off country of Scotland, and was there reared and 
educated. After his marriage he came to the United States, in about 
1800. and upon his arrival in this country made his way to Monroe 
county, Ohio, where he made his home for about fifteen years. For 
the following vear he made his home in Bellefontaine, this state, com- 
ing thence to Champaign county in 183 J. where he followed the tilling" 
of the soil until his life's labors were ended in death, at the age of sev- 
enty-eight years. During his residence here he cleared and drained much 
valuable land, and in many ways assisted in the development and prog- 
ress of the count}'. In his native land he was united in marriage to 
Miss Mary Armstrong, who was there born and reared, and her death 
also occurred in Champaign county, Ohio. Nine children were born to 
bless this union, four sons and five daughters, and the three eldest were 
born in Scotland. During the journey to this country the mother car- 
ried her babe in her arms for five hundred miles. Mr. Calland was a 
stanch Republican in his political views. He was a worthy member 



556 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

of the Presbyterian church, in which he long held the office of deacon, 
and he assisted in the erection of the house of worship at Spring Hill. 

William Calland, whose name introduces this review, was eleven 
years of age when with his parents he located in Adams township, 
Champaign county, and to its public school system he is indebted for 
the educational privileges which he received in his youth. After his 
marriage he brought his bride to Harrison township, and on the farm 
on which they first located after their arrival here they continued to 
make their home until 1898, when they came to their present place. His 
homestead now consists oi two hundred and sixty acres of rich and well 
improved land, and from his well tilled fields he annually reaps golden 
harvests. Throughout his entire life he has been identified with the 
history of the Buckeye state, and now in his declining years is living 
in retirement at his pleasant home in Harrison township, crowned with 
the veneration and respect which should ever be accorded an honorable 
old age. 

\\ hen twenty-live years of age Mr. Calland was united in mar- 
riage to Eleanor Robinson, a native of Harrison township. Champaign 
county. Her father, Ralph Robinson, was born in Kentucky, and he 
was the second man to locate in Harrison township, where he cleared 
and improved a farm of two hundred acres. Wild was the region into 
which he came. Its forests stood in their primeval strength, the prairie 
land was still unbroken and the Indians roamed through the dense woods. 
He was here married to Hannah Concland, who was born and reared 
in Virginia. Of their eight children Mrs. Calland was the fourth in 
order of birth and only three are now living. Five children have been 
born unto our subject and wife, but two are now deceased, Samuel and 
Edna, and those now living are, — Joseph, Sarah and William. All 
weir I Mun in Champaign county. The family are members of the Pres- 



CENTEX X I AL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 557 

byterian church at Spring Hill, and Mr. Calland assisted materially in 
the erection of its house of worship. He gives his political support to 
the Republican party. 



WILLIAM ROUSE. 

]t is our privilege to pay a brief tribute to the memory of Will- 
iam Rouse. An honorable, broad-minded. Christian gentleman in the 
best sense of the term, lie commanded the respect and confidence of those 
with whom he came in contact, and the memory of his upright life is an 
inspiration to the many friends who knew him well and were familiar 
with his virtues. He was a native son of Champaign county, his birth 
having heie occurred on the 14th of January. 1821. His father, James 
M. Rouse, was also a native of this county, who in 1830 came to Con- 
cord township and located on the present Rouse homestead. He cleared 
a part of his land and place many improvements thereon, and at his 
death left an excellent farm of two hundred acres. Here his death oc- 
curred in 1849. In the county of his nativity he was married to Mary 
Weaver, also a native of this locality, and they became the parents of 
eight children, seven sons and a daughter. 

William Rouse, the eldest of the children, assisted his father in the 
work of the home farm until the hitter's death, after which he took 
charge <<i the old home farm and added many substantial improvements 
At his death he left to his family a valuable estate of one hundred and 
twenty acres. Both he and his father gave their political support to the 
Republican party, and both took an active and commendable interest in 
the public life of the county. In [849 our subject was united in marriage 
to Christiana Keller. She was born in Pennsylvania, but when an in- 
fant was taken by her parents to Maryland, when she was reared and 

29 



558 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

received her education. At the age of sixteen years she accompanied 
her parents on their removal to Urbana, Ohio, and later moved with 
them to a farm in Concord township, which is still in the possession of 
the family as their homestead. Her father, George Keller, was born 
in Pennsylvania, and was there reared and educated. In his early life 
he gave his political support to the Whig party and after the organiza- 
tion of the new Republican party joined its ranks. When this section 
of the country was yet new and wild he took up his abode in Cham- 
paign county, and here spent the remainder of his life, passing away 
m the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church. While yet a resident 
of Pennsylvania, in 1813, he was married to Alary Long, and she, too, 
was a native of that commonwealth. Six children blessed that union, 
Mrs. Rouse being the fourth in order of birth. By her marriage to Mr. 
Rouse she also became the mother of six children, namely: Mary, the 
wife 1 1 Smith Bell, who is engaged in business in Urbana: Ella, at 
home; Francis and Harriett, deceased; Emma, wife of Charles Ilerr, 
a farmer of Concord township; and William, who married Elizabeth 
Crowl, and is a farmer in Harrison township. All were born on the old 
Rouse homestead in Champaign county. Of the eight grandchildren 
of Mrs. Rouse, Harry Bell, Ethel Herr, Edthis and Harold Rouse were 
also born on the old homestead. The family arc members of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal church at Northville, of which Mr. Rouse was one of 
the organizers and for many years an officer therein. In his fraternal 
relations he was a member of the Masonic order at West Lib- 
erty. His last days were spent at his pleasant home in Concord town- 
ship, an.! there he closed his eyes in death on the 13th of September, 
[870. Through the period of early development he was an important 
factor in the improvement and advancement oi ibis section of the state, 
and in his death the community mourned the los^ .if one of its truest and 
besl citizens. 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 559 

JOHN C. BUTCHER, M. D. 

The atmosphere of Champaign county, Ohio, seems fitted for the 
production of a cultivated and progressive body of physicians, the spirit 
of the people being in harmony with the aspirations of the constituent 
members of the profession for the highest possible attainment in the 
noble science of healing. Among the urbane and thoroughly skilled 
physicians and surgeons of this section of the Buckeye state Dr. Butcher 
holds a prominent position, having a representative practice and enjoy- 
ing marked popularity. Additional interest attaches to his career from 
the fact that his father was one of the pioneer physicians of the state, 
a man of strong character and noble impulses and one whose life was 
one of signal self-abnegation and. distinctive usefulness, his memory 
being revered by hundreds to whom he ministered so unreservedly and 
kindly during the long years of his active practice. 

John C. Butcher is a native son of Ohio, having been born in Bel- 
mont county on the 4th of April, [846, the son of Dr. J. M. S. and 
Nancy Jane ( Brock) Butcher. Dr. J. M. S. Butcher in early life learned 
the blacksmith trade, which he followed for some time, finally abandon- 
ing the same to devote his energies and abilities to the practice of med- 
icine, for which he thoroughly prepared himself. He was one of the 
pioneer physicians of Ohio, coming here in an early day and locating in 
Belmont county, whence he later removed to Champaign county, locat- 
ing at North Lewisburg, where he was actively engaged in practice 
for many years, traversing a wide radius of country in his professional 
work and endearing himself to the community by his unvarying kindness 
and sterling rectitude of character. He was one of the first representa- 
tives of the Eclectic school of practice, was a close student and was emi- 
nently successful in his professional work. A man of strong convic- 
tions and noble attributes, it was but natural that he should abhor the 



560 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

odious institution of human slavery, and in the crucial period culminat- 
ing the war of the Rebellion he was known as an uncompromising and 
fearless abolitionist. Because of his unwavering position and opposition 
to slavery he met with no little persecution, but his courage never faltered, 
though he was compelled to go armed on many of his professional trips 
in order to protect his life. He tendered his services to the Union when 
the war finally began, acting as surgeon in an Ohio regiment and doing 
all in his power to further the cause in whose justice he so firmly believed. 
He was summoned into eternal rest some years ago, honored by all 
who knew him, and he will long be remembered as a man who was 
signallv true and faithful in all the relations of life. 

Dr. John C. Butcher received his early educational discipline in the 
public schools of North Lewisburg and thereafter continued his literary 
studies for one vear in the Ohio W'esleyan University, in the city of 
Delaware. He returned to his home and for a time was engaged in 
the dry-goods business in North Lewisburg, disposing of his interests 
in this enterprise by reason of impaired health, which rendered it neces- 
sary for him to seek less sedentary employment. He linally began the 
technical study of medicine, under the able direction of his honored father, 
and then entered the Eclectic Medical College, in Cincinnati, where he 
was graduated in 1871. Thereafter he was engaged in practice at North 
Lewisburg for two years, at the expiration of which, in 1873, he came 
to Urbana, where he has now- continuously followed the work of his 
profession for nearly thirty years, holding marked precedence as a thor- 
oughly skilled physician and surgeon, retaining a representative patron- 
age and being known and honored as one of the leading medical prac- 
titioners of the count). He is prominent in the councils of the school 
<>l practice to which he belongs, being a prominent member of the Ohio 
State Eclectic Medical Society, of which he was presidenl for one year, 
having been elected to this office by a unanimous vote, while he served 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 561 

two terms as vice-president of the National Eclectic Medical Association. 
The Doctor is an assiduous student, keeping in close touch with the ad- 
vances made in the sciences of medicine and surgery and, without intoler- 
ance, utilizing such remedial agents, methods, accessories, etc., as appeal 
to his judgment. Dr. Butcher is prominently identified with the Masonic 
fraternity, holding membership in the local lodge, chapter and council 
of the order. In 1873 he was united in marriage to Miss Yetura A. 
Pratt, and of this union three sons have been born, — Frank E., Harry 
G. and Cleland P. 



JOHN W. TOOMIRE. 

The Toomire family is one of the oldest in Champaign count}'. It 
was founded on American soil by the grandfather of our subject, Will- 
iam Toomire. who was born in Germany, but when fourteen years of 
age left his little home across the sea and came to the L'nited States, tak- 
ing up his abode in West Virginia. On the 25th of August, 1814. with 
his family, he came by way of the Ohio river to Brown county, Ohio, 
and in 1820 located in Jackson township, Champaign county, where he 
spent the remainder of his life, his death occurring in the spring of 
185C. In political matters he upheld the principles of the Democracy, 
ami he was a soldier in the war of 1812. Ere leaving his southern home 
he was united in marriage to Sarah Moody, a native also of Virginia, 
and they became the parents of thirteen children, — Henry. William. 
Rachel, Mary, Bryant, J. Wesley, Sarah, Malinda, Moses. Aaron. Mar- 
guerite Daniel and Emeline. With the exception of the two eldest all 
were born in Champaign county, and two are still living. — J. Wesley 
and Aaron. 

William Toomire. Jr., the father of our subject, was a native of 



562 CEXTEXXIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

western Virginia, and was only six months old when brought by his 
parents to Ohio. When six years old he accompanied them on their 
removal to Champaign county, where he received his education in the 
district schools, and during the summer months assisted in the work 
of the home farm. When a young man he began work at the cooper's 
trade, thus continuing until his thirtieth year, and then began agricult- 
ural pursuits on a rented farm in Mad River township. In 1870 he 
purchased one hundred acres of land in Concord township, to which he 
added from time to time until at his death he was the owner of one 
hundred and sixty-two acres, all of which he placed under a hue state 
of cultivation. He, too, was a stanch supporter of the principles of 
Democracy, and for a time served as the trustee of his township. His 
fraternal relations connected him wth the Independent Order of OdcT 
Fellows, and religiously he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
church. In Champaign county, in 1835, Mr. Toomire was united in 
marriage to Rebecca Decios, a native of Virginia. Her father died 
in that commonwealth, and when thirteen years of age she came with 
her mother to Champaign county. The latter was born in Virginia, and 
her death occurred in this county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Toomire were 
born eight children, namely: Joseph, who served as a soldier in the 
Civil war for nearly four years, and was killed at the battle of Mission- 
ary Midge; Henrv also was a soldier and served his country nearly 
four years, helping to close up that hard struggle; Sarah Ann, de- 
ceased; Alary Jane; Emily E. ; Elmanda, deceased; and Cora Olive, de- 
ceased. All were born in Champaign county, and here they all grew to 
years of maturity with the exception of the youngest. 

John W. Toomire. the immediate subject of this review, was born 
in Westville, Ohio, September jo, 1840, and in the school:, of Mad 
River ami Concord townships received his early education. At the age 
of seventeen years he put aside his text-books and began work on his 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 563 

father's farm and after the latter S death, in 1885, located on the farm 
on which he now resides, the land having been purchased by his fa- 
ther in 1870. Success has crowned the well directed and enterprising 
v(i<"*[^ of Mr. Toomire. and he has long been numbered among the 
leading and substantial agriculturists of Champaign county. In poli- 
tics he is a stalwart Democrat, taking an active interest in the party 
work, and he is a member of Magrew Lodge. No. 433, Knights of 
Pythias, of Westville, being the second member to join this lodge, and 
lias taken special interest in the same since its organization ten years 
ago. For ten years he was also identified with the Independent Order 
of Odd Fellows, and with the family, who are members, supports the 
Methodist Episcopal church at Westville. He is popular and respected 
in all circles. 



THOMAS B. OWEX. 

\ native son whose promising legal career is viewed with justifiable 
pride by the residents of Mechanicsburg, is Thomas B. Owen, repre- 
sentative of a family long identified with Champaign county. He was 
born July 14, 1867. and is a son of William and Sarah P. (Bond) 
Owen, natives respectively of Indiana and Virginia. William B. Owen 
came to this county when a young man. and for many years eng 
in the mercantile business in Mechanicsburg. where his reputation for 
progress and integrity strengthened with the passing years. As became 
one vitally interested in sttrounding undertakings, politics played no 
small part in his calculations, and as a stanch supporter of Republican 
principles and issues he filled several important offices, among them that 
of justice of the peace for many years. With his wife he was devoted 
to the Methodist Episcopal church, and died in the faith of that de- 



564 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

nomination in 1897, at the age of eighty-one. His wife, who still lives 
in this town, is the mother of seven children. 

Having qualified as a teacher in the public schools of Mechanics- 
burg, Thomas B. Owen engaged in educational work from the time 
that he was eighteen years old up to 1897. However, the law had long 
been the Mecca towards which his most ardent ambitions turned, and in 
connection with his last years of teaching he studied in the office of 
Judge E. P. Middleton, of Urbana, and was admitted to the liar in 1898. 
Since that time he has forged his way to the front professionally and 
generally, and has shown pronounced administrative ability as mayor of 
the city for one term 1 , and as township clerk for three terms. Fraternally 
he is associated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the knights 
of Pythias, and with the Mechanicsburg Lodge, No. 113, F. & A. M. 
He was married in 1888 to Dollie Mc Adams, and has an interesting 
family of five children. In April, 1902. Mr. Owen was nominated for 
probate judge of Champaign county on the Republican ticket. 



JOHN E. TODD. 



One of the honored pioneer citizens and representative farmers of 
Champaign count}- is John Eli Todd, whose residence is on section 7, 
Urbana township, and who has maintained his home in this county 
for more than half a century, having been energetic and progressive in 
his methods and having accumulated a valuable property through his 
well directed efforts. It is with pleasure that we incorporate in this 
volume a brief review of his personal and ancestral history. 

Mr. Todd is a native of Dauphin county. Pennsylvania, where he 
was born on the 29th of December, 1828, being the son of David Todd, 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 565 

bom and reared in the same county, being a son of James Todd, who 
likewise was a native of Pennsylvania and of Scotch-Irish lineage, the 
family having been established in the old Keystone state in the early- 
colonial epoch of our national history. David Todd was married in 
Pennsylvania, whence he came to Ohio in the year 1846, locating in 
Warren county, where he remained until the following year, when he 
■came to Champaign county and took up his abode on the farm now- 
occupied by his son, the subject of this sketch. In 1859 he removed 
to another farm in this county, and there maintained his home until his 
death, in 1867. at the age of seventy-seven years. He originally gave 
his support to the Whig party, but identified himself with the Repub- 
lican party at the time of its organization and remained one of the 
stanch advocates of its principles. He was a devoted member of the 
Presbyterian church, in which he held the office of elder for many years, 
being a man of inflexible integrity and sterling character. He married 
Sarah McCormick, who likewise was born in Dauphin county. Pennsyl- 
vania, the date of her nativity having been November 6. 1.795, while 
she died on the 23d of March, 18S4, in her eighty-ninth year. She was 
a daughter of Henry McCormick. a native of Pennsylvania and of 
Scotch-Irish descent. David and Sarah Todd became the parents of 
seven sons and five daughters, and four sons are living at the present 
time, namely: Thomas M., John E., David and James S., the last men- 
tinned being a clergyman of the Presbyterian church and being a resi- 
dent of California. 

John E. Todd was about eighteen years of age when the family 
came t. . Champaign county, ami he had received his educational train- 
ing in the public schools of Pennsylvania, having also attended a dis- 
trict school in Warren count}', Ohio, during one winter. He remained 
at the parental home until his marriage, in 1859, and thereafter con- 
tinued in agricultural pur-nits on the old homestead, of which he event- 



566 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

ually became the owner, and here he lias ever since made his home. 
having been successful in his efforts and carrying on diversified farming 
and stuck raising. He now has a fine estate of two hundred and fifty 
acres, and upon the same he has made extensive improvements, so that 
the place is one of the best in this section of the county. In politics 
Air. Todcl is "lie of the leading members of the Prohibition party in 
the county and has been an active worker in its cause, having been a dele- 
gate to its local conventions and also to the. state convention. For 
forty years he has been a member of the school board of his district, 
his tenure of this office having been longer than of any other man in 
the county, and at all times his influence has been given to' the support 
of all measures tending to advance the general welfare of the com- 
munity. He is well known in the county and is honored as one of its 
sterling pioneer citizens. 

In the year 1859 Mr. Todd was united in marriage to Miss Jane 
M. Mumper, who was born in Pennsylvania, whence she accompanied 
her parents on their removal to Champaign county when she was a 
child. She was summoned into eternal rest on the 1 ith of January, 1900, 
having been the mother of eight children, of whom we enter the follow- 
ing brief record: Scott married Cozette Calvert ami is a resident of 
Cincinnati, being vice-president of the William Resor Company, the 
oldest stove manufacturing concern in the city; Clarence M. is deceased; 
Sarah M., unmarried, remains at the paternal home; John H.. who is 
a graduate of the University of Michigan, is a member of the Chicago 
Mews Bureau of the New York Herald; Annie M. is deceased: Marion 
R. married Miss Laura Pence, and is a resident of West Liberty. Logan 
county, ( Hun; Percy C. is a jeweler of Hamilton, this state; and Jennie 
M. remains at the old home. Mr. Todd removed from the farm t< > the 
city Of [Jrbana in March. 1902. 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 567 

JOHN H. HODGE. 

[ohn H. Hodge is a representative of one of the pioneer families of 
Ohio which throughout the nineteenth century in different generations 
have been factors in the upbuilding and substantial development in the 
central portion of the state. Mr. Hodge, of this review, is now num- 
bered among the leading, progressive and intelligent agriculturists of 
Champaign county, his home being on the Springfield pike. Goshen 
township. He was born in Pleasant township. Clark county. Ohio. Jan- 
uary 2. 1835. His father. James H. Hodge, was a native of Kentucky, 
his birth having occurred in Mount Sterling, Montgomery county. 
whence he came to Ohio at the early age of eight years in company 
with his parents, Andrew and Isabell (McTeer) Hodge, who located in 
Clark county, Ohio. The father secured a tract of land in Pleasant 
township and there developed and improved a farm. He aided in laying- 
broad and deep the foundation for the present prosperity and progress 
of his portion of the state and was an honored and respected pioneer. 
His son. James H. Hodge, was born in 1800 and was reared in Clark 
county, from the age of eight years becoming familiar with all the 
duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He married 
Elizabeth Sayler, who was born in Claremont, Brown county, Ohio. At 
an early age she was left an orphan and was reared by an uncle, \\ illiam 
Curl, in Clark county. Mr. Hodge, the father of our subject, gave his 
attention to agricultural pursuits throughout his active business life. 
lie died in his seventy-eighth year and his wife passed away in her 
eighty-first year. His political support was given to the Democracy 
and he filled a number of local offices in his township. In the family 
were six children, but two of the number died in infancy. Two are still 
living— John 11. and Sarah J. — the latter residing with our subject. 
John II- Hodge was reared in the county of In- nativity, and the 



56S CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

schools of the neighborhood afforded him his educational privileges. 

During the summer months he worked in the fields and in the winter 
months mastered the branches of learning taught in the educational in- 
stitution near his home. After starting out in life on his own account 
he sought as a companion and helpmate for the journey. Miss 
Miranda Hunter, their wedding taking place on the 17th of January, 
1861. She, lei', was born in Pleasant township, Clark county, a daugh- 
ter of John W. and Mary A. (Ingle) Hunter, who were early residents 
of the county and highly respected people. Mrs. Hodge was born 
March 11, 1839, and after a long married life of almost forty years 
passed away on the 15th of April, 1901. Of her three children, two 
'had died in infancy. Their surviving son, 'Willes A., is a prominent 
grain dealer of Mechanicsburg. He was born in Union township, 
Champaign county, October 23, 1876, and lias become a leading busi- 
ness man of his portion of the state. He has an elevator in Mechanics- 
burg and also one at Calaba Station, and is well known for his marked 
business ability and keen discernment. 

It was in the year 1861 that John H. Hodge came to Champaign 
count}-, taking up his abode in Union township, wdiere he followed 
agricultural pursuits for over forty years. He built his present residence 
near the corporation line of Mechanicsburg and has since made his heme 
at this place. He carries on agricultural pursuits on a very extensive 
scale, "wning and operating about five hundred and seventy-five acres 
of rich and well improved land in Union township. Much of this, how- 
ever, 1- rented, but to the supervision of his property he gives his atten- 
tion. He is likewise one of the stockholders of the Farmers Elevator 
Company ol .Mechanicsburg and one of the stockholders and directors 
of the farmers Bank. A strong temperance man, he takes a deep and 
active interest in promoting that cause and at state and national elections 
for the Prohibition candidates, while at local elections he casts an 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 569- 

independent ballot. For a quarter of a century he was a member of the 
school board and the cause of education found in him a warm friend. 
He is also a leading and prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal 
church, is one of its earnest workers and is serving as steward. His 
business interests have been so capably conducted that he has won cred- 
itable success and is to-day accounted one of the most substantial citi- 
zen- of Champaign county. His life has ever been true to manly prin- 
ciples and loyalty in citizenship and is well worthy of emulation. 



SAMUEL BARXETT. 

In section 34. Union township, is located the fine farm of Mr. 
Barnett, who is one of the representative members of the agricultural 
community of Champaign county, where he is held in the highest esteem 
by all who know him. Mr. Barnett is a native son of the old Buck- 
eve state, having been born in Butler county, on the 4th of October,. 
[S31, the son of Samuel Barnett, who was born in Huntingdon county, 
Pennsylvania, whence he emigrated to Ohio in an early day. locating 
in I'.utler county. In the spring of 1841 he located in Springfield. Clark 
county, making this change in order to afford his children better edu- 
cational advantages, and there he erected the Barnett mills, known 
throughout the state. He continued in the milling business for many 
years and was succeeded by his son William A., who continued the enter- 
prise under the firm name of Warder & Barnett. He died in the city 
of Springfield at the advanced age of seventy-eight year-. He was 
a devoted member 1 t the United Presbyterian church, in which he was- 
an active worker and liberal supporter, while his political support was 
given to the Republican party from the time of it- organization. The 



570 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

maiden name of his wife was Mary Mitchell, and she was horn in the 
same county as was he, her death occurring at the age of sixty-two years. 
They became the parents of ten children, six sons and four daughters, 
all of whom attained years of maturity and of whom five are living at 
the present time. --three sons and two daughters, — the subject of this 
review having been the youngest child. At a family reunion held in 
Bellefonlaine, Logan count)-, in January, 1901. each of the ten chil- 
dren was represented with the exception of one. 

Samuel Barnett, the subject of this sketch, was but nine years of 
age at the time when the family removed to Springfield, and there he 
was reared to maturity, receiving his education in the public schools 
of that place. After leaving school he was employed in his father's 
mills until his marriage, in 1855, and he then located on his present 
homestead farm, having purchased a portion of the same prior to his 
marriage. Here, with the exception of two years, he has consecutively 
maintained his home from the early days, and has developed a fine 
property, the farm having the best improvements and being under a 
high -tate of cultivation. He passed one year in Springfield and one in 
Urbana. In the homestead are comprised one hundred and sixtv acres, 
and here our subject devotes his attention to diversified agriculture and 
to the dairy business, having been particularly successful in both depart- 
ments of his farming enterprise. Mr. Barnett is a member of the First 
Presbyterian church of Urbana, having been for many years an elder in 
the same and taking a deep interest in the church work. 

On the nth of October, 1855, Mr. Barnett was united in marriage 
to Miss Mary Campbell, who was born in Belmont county, Ohio, on the 
26th of October, 1831, being the daughter of Jesse Campbell, who be- 
came one of the pioneer farmers of Champaign county, where Airs. Bar- 
nett was reared and educated. Our subject and his wife have one son 
and three daughters, namely: John C., who was born in [856; Carrie 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 571 

I!., win 1 is a graduate of the Cook County Hospital Training School, 
of Chicago, and is now head nurse of the Mitchell-Thomas Hospital, 
at Springfield; Mary I... who remains at the parental home, as doe-, also 
Laura !. One daughter, Fannie, died at the age of eight months. 

I in C. Barnett, the only sun. was married about nine years ago 
to Essie Christian, horn in Pennsylvania, and has one son. Allen Bar- 
nett. who is his only child. For fourteen years he held the position as 
a-- ciate editor and chief editor of Farm and Fireside, a semi-monthly 
paper published at Springfield, Ohio, by the Crowl Publishing Com- 
pany, and has kept a copy of each issue, which he has had bound each 
year until the volumes amount to fourteen in number. Our subject voted 
with the Whig' party until the organization of the Republican party in 
1856. when he became a member of the latter and has continuously sup- 
ported its policies to the present time. 



BENJAMIN' F. HULL. 

Though himself a native of the state of Illinois, the subject of this 
sketch, who is one of the progressive and representative farmers of 
I nil n township. Champaign county, is a member of one of the pioneer 
families of the old Buckeye commonwealth, as will be noted further on 
in this context. 

Benjamin Franklin Hull was born in DeWitt county, Illinois, on 
the 22d of February, 1S48. and thus he has the distinction of having 
been ushered into the world on the anniversary of the birth of the im- 
mi rt.il Washington, while the further distinction is his of having been 
named in honor of his grandfather and Uncle Franklin. Alfred Au- 
gustus Hull, the father of our subject, was born in Madison county, 



572 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

Ohio, on the 18th of January, 1821. from which fact it is evident that 
the family was here located in the early pioneer epoch. He was reared 
and educated in his native county, where he remained until some time 
in the '40s, when he removed to DeWitt county, Illinois, where he was 
eng-aged in teaching until 1S49, when he returned to Madison county, 
Ohio, and in 1S55 to °k U P his abode in Champaign county, Ohio, locating 
on a tract of land at the head waters of Buck creek, in Union township, 
where he maintained his home until his death, which occurred Februarv 
2. 1886. He was a man of distinct individuality, noble character and high 
intellectuality, having been for a quarter of a century a successful teacher 
in the district schools, while for nine years he was a member of the 
school board of Union township. He was a zealous advocate of the 
principles of the Democratic party and was influential in public affairs 
of a local nature. For three years he was incumbent of the office of 
justice oi the peace, and also served several years as township tn. tee, 
commanding the unqualified confidence and respect of all with whom he 
came in contact in the various relations of life. 

On the yth of March, 1843, Alfred A. Hull was united in mar- 
riage to Margaret Kirkley, who was born in Madison county Ohio, on 
Septembei 5, 1818, the daughter of William and Mary Kirkley. natives 
respectively of Virginia and Maryland and honored pioneers of Madison 
county. .Mr. Kirkley assisted in raising the first log house erected in 
what is now tlu- city of Urbana, Champaign county. The cherished and 
devoted wife and mother was summoned into eternal rest on the 26th 
oi December, [886, and three of her children yet survive, the subject 
oi this review having been the second in order of birth. 

Benjamin F. Hull was but one year of age when his parents re- 
turned from Illinois to Madison county, and was eight years old when, 
m [855, they came to Champaign county, as has already been men- 

1. so that be has hero passed practically his entire life, receiving 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 573 

his educational discipline in the public schools and so applying- himself 
as to become eligible for pedagogic honors, as is evident when we revert 
to the fact that he was for nearly twenty years a successful teacher in 
this county, gaining marked prestige in this profession. His marriage 
occurred in 1873, and he continued to teach for nine years thereafter, 
then locating on his present finely improved farmstead in Union town- 
ship, the same now comprising four hundred and fourteen acres and 
being one of the best properties of the sort in this section of 
the state. Here he has a fine modern residence and other excellent 
buildings, while his progressive methods and marked business discrim- 
ination have enabled him to attain exceptional success in bis farming 
enterprise. He is one of the substantial and influential men of this 
locality and is held in the highest esteem as a man and a citizen. In 
politics he accords a stanch allegiance to the Democratic party, though 
he has no political ambition in the matter of desiring official preferment. 
He has been a member of the board of trustees of the Champaign County 
Children's Home for thirteen years, and is a director of the Farmers' 
Bank, at Mechanicsburg. Fraternally he is identified with both the lodge 
and encampment of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. 

( )n the 24th of December, 1873, Mr. Hull was united in marriage 
to Miss Sarah J. Ropp, who was born in Virginia May 2, 1850, the 
daughter of John W. and Almira V. (Penhorn) Ropp, who came to 
Clark comity, Ohio, when she was a child of four years and settled 
in Champaign county in 18S2. Mr. Ropp and his wife there spent the 
remainder of their lives, the former passing away in 1894 and his wife 
in 1890. They were the parents of three children, namely: George 
1'... Sarah J. and Camelia. Mr. and .Mrs. Hull have one son, Esten C, 
who was born September 6, [876, and is now a traveling salesman for 
the celebrated concern of VV. 11. Baker & Company, manufacturers of 
cocoa and chocolate, 'if New York City. Hi atti the Willi- l 

30 



574 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

mercial College, at Springfield, Ohio, and the Literary College situated 

at Ada. Hardin county, finishing his education in 1894, then came home 

and has been a commercial salesman since, being at the head of this class 

in the state. 

+—+ 

TULLEY McKINNEY. 

The genial postmaster of Mechanicsburg has many claims upon the 
kindly consideration of his fellow townsmen, not the least of which 
is his contribution towards the development of the town as a builder and 
contractor, his praiseworthy career as a Republican politician, and his 
Ions.' and meritorious service as a soldier in the Civil war. 

In his ancestral relations Air. McKinney is closely allied with the 
momentous events of Revolutionary times, and with the struggle for 
English supremacy along the Canadian border in 1812. He was horn 
-on the paternal farm in Clark count}, Ohio, November 3, 1838, a son oi 
Francis and Margaret (Lennox) McKinney, natives of Jefferson county, 
\ irginia. The family was first represented in America by the paternal 
grandfather, Tulley McKinney, who emigrated from Ireland about 17(15, 
and settled in West Virginia. The woes of the colonists so dramatically 
hastened to a climax by the Boston Tea Party found a ready response 
in the heart of the Irish emigrant, and he not only completed a service 
if two years in the Colonial army, hut afterward re-enlisted for five 
years. During the seven years among the tents and armament and cease- 
less strife of the Revolution he stacked his musket upon many a blood- 
soaked battlefield, and because of bis courage and heroism in the face of 
danger richly earned the right to the peaceful agricultural life afterward 
spent in Jefferson county, West Virginia. On the maternal side Mr. 
McKinney is related to another family long identified with the Old 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 575 

Dominion state, for his grandfather, Nathaniel Lennox, with his broth- 
ers, Robert and Thomas, settled there after coming from Scotland, about 
1785. Of the sons of Nathaniel Lennox, John Lennox served in the 
war of [812. The parents of Mr. McKiniley removed from Virginia to 
Ohio in 1S36, and settled in Clark county, where they engaged in farm- 
ing, and where the father died in 1864, and the mother a year later, 
just as peace was settling over the country after the Civil war. There 
were seven children in the family, five of whom are living, but one being 
a resident of Champaign county, Ohio. 

The youth of Tulley Ale Kinney was uneventfully passed on the 
farm in Ohio and his common-school education was supplemented by 
an apprenticeship to a carpenter. April .23, 1861, he enlisted for three 
mouths in Company E, Sixteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and after 
his honorable discharge August 11, 1862, re-enlisted with the call for 
thirty thousand volunteers, in Company A, Ninety-fourth Ohio Volun- 
teer Infantry. During a service which extended to June 5. 1865, he saw 
much of the terrible and grewsome side of warfare, and among other 
important engagements participated in the battles of Perryville, Stone 
River, Phillipi, Chickamauga and Carrick's Ford, engaging also in the 
Atlanta campaign and Sherman's march to the sea. Thence the regi- 
ment marched through the Carolinas, and witnessed the surrender of 
General Joe Johnston, and after taking part in the grand review in Wash- 
ington was mustered out at Columbus, Ohio. Since the war Air. McKin- 
ney has been a member of the Stephen Baxter Lost, No. 88, Grand 
Army of the Republic. 

Upon returning to his home in Ohio, Mr. McKinney was married 
the same year to Sarah Alcinda Wilkinson, and the latter part of 1865 
removed to Illinois, where he remained until locating in Mechanicsburg 
in the spring of 1870. To himself and wife have been born five children, 
Forest O., Charles T-. Fffie M., Dollie and Bertha A. From the first of 



576 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL' HISTORY. 

contracting, ami many of the important public and private buildings 
are due to his skill and ingenuity. As a stanch Republican he has co- 
operated with his colleagues in furthering the best and most intelligent 
interests ot his party, his faithfulness and ability receiving substantial 
recognition by his appointment as postmaster, June 17, 1898. His ad- 
ministration has been well received throughout, and in the discharge of 
his responsibilities, Mr. McKinney is credited with singular fairness and 
tact. He is not associated with any church, although his family are 
members of the Methodist Episcopal denomination. He is one of the 
citizens of Mechanicsburg indebted solely to theix own energy and well 
directed efforts for their success in life, and his career is worthy of emu- 
lation, and of the high regard accorded him by the community at large. 



duxcax b. Mcdonald. 

In the early pioneer days of the Buckeye state the McDonald family 
became identified with its history, and the colonial epoch of our national 
history stands as the period in which the family had its foundation on 
American soil, while records extant show that the subject of this re- 
view is in line of direct descent from one of the valiant patriots who did 
yeoman service as a soldier in the Continental line during the war of 
the Revolution. Industry, energy, honesty and fidelity have been among 
the marked characteristics of the family, as may be inferred from the 
fact that it is of stanch Scottish extraction, and the elemental strength 
of character in our subject shows that these sterling qualities are pre- 
dominant in his nature. He rendered efficient service to his country in 
the war of the Rebellion, has ever been true t<> the duties •<] citizen- 
ship and lias long been numbered among the prominent and represei 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. S77 

live business men of the beautiful little city of (Jrbana, where he has 
practically passed his entire life. 

Mr. McDonald was horn in Urbana. Champaign county, on the 
-th of April, 1844, the fourth in order of birth of the six children of 
Duncan and Hester ( Heylin) McDonald. The former was born in Ross 
county, Ohio, in the year 1804, and thence removed to Urbana in 1820, 
this city thereafter continuing' to be his home until the time of his death, 
in 1 891, at the venerable age of eighty-seven years, tie was for several 
years engaged in the dry-goods business here, but during the latter part 
of his life was retired from active business pursuits.- His parents, 
Archibald and Margaret (McDonald) McDonald, were both born 
in Scotland, and though of the same name were not related. The family 
of the latter came to America prior to Mr. McDonald's emigration, in 
colonial days, and here the marriage of the grandparents of our sub- 
ject was solemnized, Mr. McDonald having been a soldier in the war of 
the Revolution. In that early epoch when Ohio was on the very frontier 
of civilization he emigrated to this section of the Union and located in 
what is now Ross county, where he developed a farm from the sylvan 
wilds and there engaged in agricultural pursuits during the remainder 
of his life. His son Duncan, the youngest of the children and the fa- 
ther of the immediate subject of this review, was reared on the old 
homestead farm 1 , and as a youth came thence to Urbana and secured a 
clerkship in the mercantile establishment of Marcus Heylin. who was 
one of the pioneer merchants of the town. Mr. McDonald eventually 
married Hester, the daughter of his employer, and a few years later 
became associated with his brothers. \\ illiam and Colin, in the general 
mercantile business, the enterprise subsequently involving" the handling 
01 dr\ goods alone and the business becoming one oi the most im- 
portant in the place. Mr. McDonald was a Republican in politics and 
a stanch advocate of its principles and policies, while both he and his 



5/8 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

wife were devoted members of the Presbyterian church, the death of 
Mrs. McDonald occurring in the year 1887. They were the parents of 
three sons and three daughters, namely: Henry 1).. deceased : Sarah 
McArthner Deuel, of Urbana; Mary J. H. Stansbury, also of this city; 
Duncan B., the subject of this review; Captain I. H.. of Philadelphia, 
Ohio; and Miss Ellen E., of Urbana. 

Duncan B. McDonald was reared and educated in Urbana. and 
here began his business career by entering upon a clerkship in his fa- 
ther's store. In May, 1864, when a few weeks less than twenty years 
of age, Mr. McDonald gave manifestation of his loyalty by enlisting as a 
private in Company A, One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Ohio Volun- 
teer Infantry, and was with his regiment in active service until the ex- 
piration of his term, in the fall of the same year, when he received an 
honorable discharge. He retains a lively interest in his old comrades in 
arms and is a charter member of W. A. Brand Post of the Grand Army 
of the Republic, in Urbana. Mr. McDonald was married in 1866, and 
shortly afterward located on a farm in LTrbana township, this county, 
where he devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits for the ensuing 
decade, at the expiration of which he returned to Urbana and engaged 
in the grocery business, having for the past twenty years been asso- 
ciated with J. B. Houtz, under the firm name of Houtz & McDonald. 
The firm have a line establishment, with all modern accessories and con- 
veniences, .carry a large and select stock of staple and fancy groceries, 
table delicacies, etc., and cater to a representative and discriminating 
patronage, theirs being one of the leading mercantile enterprise- in the 
city. In politics Mr. McDonald renders an unswerving allegiance to the 
Republican party, taking an active interest in its cause, while he has 
ever been known as one of the public spirited citizens and popular busi- 
ness men of his native city, where his friends are in number as his ac- 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. S79 

quaintances. He and his wife hold membership in the Presbyterian 
church and take an active part in its work. 

On the 2nd of January, 1 866, Air. McDonald was united in mar- 
iage to Miss Laura Lamme, who was born in Clark county, the daugh- 
ter of W. A. Lamme, and they have one son, Herbert H., who is now a 
resident of Montgomery, Alabama. 



SIMON KENTON. 



One of the most picturesque figures on the pages of American 
history is Simon Kenton, the explorer and Indian fighter and pioneer, 
who made his way into the "dark and bloody ground" of Kentucky and 
also led the way into the wildernesses of Ohio, planting the seeds of 
civilization which in later years have borne rich fruit. 

Simon Kenton was born in Fauquier county, Virginia, April 3, 1755, 
and died in Logan county, Ohio, in 1836, near the place where he once 
narrowly escaped death at the hands of the Indians. At the age of 
sixteen he became entangled in a love affair which brought him in ci in- 
tact with a rival with whom he had an affray, and supposing that he had 
slain his antagonist, fled to the wilds of Kentucky, west of the Alle- 
ghames. He assumed the name of Simon Butler, became an associate 
of Daniel Boone and took an active pait with Boone and others in border 
life on the frontier. The life was well adapted to develop an adven- 
turer's true character, and young Kenton showed remarkable courage, 
sagacity and endurance. These virtues recommended him to the notice 
oi < jovernor Dunmore, by whom he was employed as a spy. 

In 1782. learning that his adversary, whom he supposed he had 
left dev.d, was still alive, he returned to his native place and by his rep- 



58o CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

reservation of the country west of the mountains, induced his father to 
remove with him to Kentucky. As a scout and spy he had traversed 
nearly every part of Ohio before he settled in it. He had many thrill- 
ing experiences with the Indians in his adventures, heing several times 
captured and as many times experiencing narrow escapes from death. 
He settled in Urbana in 1802, was identified with the interests and perils 
of the people of Champaign county, and no wrong treatment, of which 
he thought himself the victim, swerved for an instant his loyal mind. 
He was as generous and kind hearted as he was brave, and was thor- 
oughly honest. 



THOMAS RAWLINGS. 

As a representative of one of the prominent and honored pioneer 
families of Champaign county, where he has passed his entire life and 
where he is recognized as one of the successful and progressive farmers 
of this favored section, it is certainly consistent that a record of the 
career and antecedents of Mr. Rawlings he given in this work. 

He was born at the old homestead, in section 18, Urbana town- 
ship, on the 28th day of August, 1836, I lis father, James Rawlings, 
was born in Fleming county, Kentucky, on the 28th of May, 1X03, and 
came thence to Champaign county when he was about twenty years of 
age and became one of the early settlers of Urbana township, where 
he took up a tract of government land, founding the home where he 
lived to an honored old age the life of a prosperous farmer, settling 
his children, six in number, on farms around him so that the smoke of 
their chimneys could be seen from the old homestead and he could mount 
his horse and pay them all a morning call, returning to his home in 
time for dinner. Here he died October J 1 , [886, in the fullness of 




MRS. THOMAS RAWLIHGS. 




THOMAS RAWLIIGS. 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 583 

pears, secure in the esteem of all who had known him. In politics he 
was a Whig, until the organization of the Republican party, when he 
identified himself with the latter, and ever remained a stanch supporter 
of its principles. His father was Thomas Raw lings, of Loudoun county, 
Virginia, -whose father, Pressley Rawlings, came to this country from 
England when a young man, accompanied by his brother .Mum'-.. They 
located in Virginia and served in the Revolutionary war, lighting in the 
interests of the colonies. Moses was never heard of after the war. 
Pressley removed to Kentucky, being among the earliest settlers of the 
Blue Grass state. There he purchased a tract of timber land and cleared 
a farm, upon which he. spent the remainder of his days. His son Thomas 
was the oldest of seven children. Upon attaining manhood he mar- 
lied Miss Mary Tribbe, of Kentucky. She inherited a tract of land and 
four slaves; her inheritance joined that of her husband. They became 
the parents of nine children, of whom James was the fifth. 

James Rawlings, father of our subject, married Susannah Irby 
McRoberts, in 1829. She was born September 16, 1810, while her par- 
ents were on their way from Kentucky to Ohio. Her father. William 
McRoberts, was born in Kentucky, his father having been a native of 
Ireland, whence he emigrated to America and became a pioneer of 
Kentucky. William McRoberts married Martha Irby Winn, daughter 
of John and Myrtilla Winn. John Winn was born December 31, 1759, 
in \ irginia, and came to Fleming county, Kentucky, in 1796, in an ox 
cart with one negro boy and his cattle. He was well educated and 
taught in the neighborhood. When he left Kentucky he freed bis 
negroes and became responsible for their good behavior. Removing to 
Ohio, he entered land on Pretty Prairie in Champaign county, some 
of which is still held by his descendants. He died at his home in 
Springfield, Ohio, September u. [838. He was married to Myrtilla 
Minor on Friday. December 14. 1 7S7. by Rev. Thomas Grimes. She 



584 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

died August i, 1822. Martha Irby Winn was horn July 11, 1790. and 
died December 19, [848. The above were the maternal grandparents, 
of our subject, Thomas Rawiings. 

James and Susannah (Jrby) Rawlings were the parents of six 
children, viz: William J. W., Mary M., Jane E., Thomas. James li. 
and Douglas \Y. William married Miss Elletta Jumper in 1S03 and 
founded a home on Prettv Prairie, where he lived a useful and pros- 
perous lite, in his home, community and church, until March 29, 1898, 
when he died, leaving a fair inheritance to his children, six in number, 
who with their mother still survive him. His home, like those of his 
brothers and sisters, has always been in the neighborhood of his birth 
place, and he bent the whole energy of his strong character to the 
prosecution of the vocation to which he was born, and it was only a 
matter of course that lie attained early in life to the front rank of 
Champaign county's foremost farmers. While yet a young man he 
united with the historic Buck Creek church, which he served as an elder 
tor many years. In politics he was a Republican and he took broad 
and liberal views of citizenship, his influence being known and felt 
throughout the county. 

Mary M. married T. M. Todd and their residence is also near 
the old homestead, where thcv have reared five children, four soris and 
one daughter: two. a son and daughter, died in early youth. She 
and her husband and her children are connected with Buck Creek church. 
Jane E. married John 1'. Knight and they now occupy the old home 
which was the lather's. Here they have reared a family of four suns. 
one of whom remains with them on the old farm, and the other three 
are out in the world filling responsible positions. James H. married 
.Miss Laura Townley, of Wyandotte county, (>hi<.. daughter of Rev. 
Gilbert Townley, a Methodist minister of the Cincinnati Conference, 
and Klizabeth (Hedges) Townley, daughter of Seton Hedges. Mr. 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 5§S 

Townley was a native of New York. His death occurred in Novem- 
ber, [854, leaving a wife and three daughters. James H. was a soldier 
in the war of the Rebellion and served with honor in Company G. One 
Hundred and Thirty-fourth Ohio National Guard. They were the par- 
ents of eight children, two of whom died in infancy. They settled on a 
line farm not far from the old homestead. Airs. Rawlings died August 
7, 1892. lames, in later years, removed to Urbana, where he now 
resides. 

Douglas W. married Miss Alice Townley. sister of Laura, and to 
them were horn two sons and two daughters, the eldest of whom. Charles, 
died in early youth. Douglas W. also served his country in the war of 
the Rebellion, first as a member of the Eighty-sixth Ohio Volunteer In- 
fantry and afterward in the One Hundred and Thirty- fourth Ohio Na- 
tional Guard. At the close of the war he settled on a farm near his 
father, just across the line in Clark county. Here he lived for years, 
built a beautiful home and followed the vocation of the rest of the family. 
He was known as a successful and progressive farmer, but having been 
always interested in politics he in mature life turned his attention that 
wav and served for six years as county commissioner of Clark county. 
He was the eldest representative of the county and at the close of his 
first term was nominated and elected state senator from the district com- 
posed of the counties of Champaign, (.'lark and .Madison. While serving 
a- senator he came into prominence as the author of the "Rawlings bill, 
which created such consternation among the manufacturers of the -tan-. 
After his retirement he lived a quiet life at his beautiful home on Pretty 
Prairie. He died .March 14. [894, at the age of fifty-one years, leav- 
ing a widow, two daughters and a son, Douglas, Jr., to mourn the loss 
of a devoted husband and loving father. These brothers, children of 
James Rawlings, Sr.. were all Republicans in politics, but were some- 
what divided theologically. The eldest two. William and Thomas, were- 



586 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

Presbyterians, serving as officers in the old Buck Creek church for years. 
The youngest two, James and Douglas, were Methodists, and also served 
in official capacities in that denomination. 

Thomas Rawlings was born and reared on the old homestead, now 
owned and occupied by Mr. and Mrs. John P. Knight, and received his 
educational training in the district schools, making good use oi such ad- 
vantages as were available in those days, lie left the home farm in 
[865 and located on his present farm near that of his brother William. 
Pie improved and added to the original area and is now living at ease, 
where he has spent the energies of his active and successful career, as 
a progressive and up-to-date farmer. His political affiliations are Repub- 
lican and he has since youth been an influential member of the Buck 
Creek church, of which he has been treasurer and trustee for the past 
twenty vears. His wife is also a devoted member of the same historic 
old church. On the 16th of March, 1864, Mr. Rawlings was united in 
marriage to Miss Sarah Emily flumes, the daughter of Samuel and Mary 
A. (McNeill) Humes. She was born in Union township, Champaign 
county, January 27, 1835. Her parents were natives of Virginia, whence 
they came as pioneers to Champaign county, where they passed the re- 
mainder of their days. They had ten children, five of whom are living 
at the present time, four of them in the same community where, the pio- 
neer parents settled. Mr. and Mrs. Rawlings have no children, but there 
are many now in homes of theii own who embrace every opportunity to 
visit tin farm which was home to them in their youth and to whom the 
large-hearted owners were far more than friends and employers. 



PYMAX ELPSWORTH BAKER, M. D. 

( )ne of the most promising and popular of the exponents of homeo- 
pathic science in Mechanicsburg is Lyman Ellsworth Baker, a native 
oi Richw 1. Union county, Ohio, and bom February 14. 1870. His 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 587 

parents, Lyman G. and Mary (Manson) Baker, are also natives of the 
Buckeye state, and are now living in Marysville, Ohio, where the father 
is retired from his former activity as a farmer and stock-raiser. 

As the youngest but one in a family of five children. Dr. Baker 
was reared on the paternal homestead, and his arduous duties around the- 
farm were varied by attendance at the district schools, especially during 
the greater leisure of the winter months. This preliminary training 
was supplemented by a course at the Richwood high school, from which 
he was graduated in 1891, after which he engaged in educational work 
for a year. A commendable ambition reached beyond the well tilled 
acres comprising the home possession, and a careful survey of capabili- 
ties and inclinations resulted in a systematic course of study under the 
direction of Dr. J. S. Lunger, of Prospect, Ohio, and later entrance 
at the Cleveland ( Ohio) Homeopathic Medical College, from which he 
graduated in the class of 1895. Immediately thereafter he located in 
Mechanicsburg as a possibly desirable field for professional activity, and 
the correctness of his surmise has been repeatedly and happily demon- 
strated without diminution during the succeeding years. 

The marriage of Dr. Baker and Ada O. Taylor, of Marysville, 
Ohio, occurred in 1896, and of this union there are two children, Fonta- 
belle and Robert E. Mr. and Mrs. Baker are members of the Methodist 
Protestant church, and are variously connected with the social interests 
in which the town abounds. The Doctor is a member of the Ohio State 
Homeopathic Medical Society, and the school which he represents has 
no more conscientious, painstaking and thoroughly adaptive disciple. 
As a diagnostician and prescriber he has successfully comibatted with 
many intricate and apparently hopeless complications, and has thus met 
with a deserved appreciation while ministering- to the physical woes of 
the community. By those who recognize his high professional ideal-. 
and realize the additional benclii of a pleasing and tactful personality. 



588 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

and inborn humanitarian instincts a future of exceeding brightness, 
merit and usefulness is predicted. Dr. Baker is fraternally associated 
with the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, 
and he is politically identified with the Republican party. 



FERDINAND F. STOXE. 

A work of this nature exercises its highest function when it enters 
a memoir of a man who stood representative of the best citizenship and 
maxims of usefulness in connection with the practical activities of life 
and whose lineage was of that distinguished order which can not but be 
a source of pride and satisfaction to every worthy scion. In the envious 
and laborious struggle for an honorable competence and solid career 
on the part of the average business man, fighting the every-day battles 
of life, there is but little to attract the idle reader in search of a sensa- 
tional chapter ; but for a mind thoroughly awake to the reality and 
meaning of human existence there are noble and enduring lessons in the 
life of a man who conquers fortune and gains not only the temporal 
rewards of his toil and endeavor, but also that which is greater and 
higher, the respect and confidence of those with whom he has come in 
contact. Ferdinand Fairfax Stone was an able business man, a public- 
spirited citizen, a loyal friend and one who enriched the world by his 
services and his example. In noting those who have been prominent and 
honored in the business and social circles of Urbana there is imperative 
necessity that due tribute be paid to one whose life was of so signal 
honor and usefulness. As detailed record concerning the genealogy of 
Air. Stone is entered in the sketch of his brother, S. L. P. Stone, on 
other pages of this work, it will not he necessary to recapitulate at this 
point, since ready reference may be made to the article mentioned. 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 589 

Ferdinand F. Stone was born in Hampshire county, Virginia, on 
the 2d of April, 1841, the son of Ferdinand and Mary (Pigeon) Stone. 
He continued to reside in his native county until he had attained the 
age of seventeen years. After duly profiting by such advantages as 
were affi rded in the common schools he pursued his studies for a time 
in the college at Emmitsburg, Maryland, thus securing a good practical 
education as the basis for an active business career. He was employed 
as clerk in a mercantile establishment in 1858, and resigned this position 
to accompany his parents on their removal to Urbana, Ohio, in that 
year. Here he soon afterward secured a clerkship in the hardware es- 
tablishment of William M. Young, but in 1863 he went to- the far west, 
becoming one of the pioneer hardware merchants of Colorado and Mon- 
tana, which were then on the very frontier of civilization, and remaining 
in that section until 1808, when he returned to Urbana, where he re- 
mained until the fall of the following year, when his marriage occurred, 
and soon afterward he removed to Mansfield, Ohio, where he was suc- 
cessfully engaged in the hardware business until 1872, when he came 
again to Urbana and here associated himself with his brother, Samuel 
L. P. Stone, in the establishing of a hardware business, under the firm 
name of Stone Brothers, which has been continued to the present time, 
the enterprise having grown to be one of wide scope and importance 
and being one of the principal ones of the sort in this section of the state. 
Our subject gave to the undertaking the benefit of his mature judg- 
ment, practical and effective methods and inflexible integrity of purpose, 
and tlii' ugh his efforts to a large extent was gained the high reputa- 
tiim which the house has ever enjoyed, his interest in the same being still 
retained by his family. Mr. Stone continued to be actively identified 
with 'his enterprise until the close of his useful and honorable life, bis 
death occurring on the 30th of August, 1898. He was held in the 1 
highest esteem in the community and was one of the popular citizens 



590 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

of Urban a. In politics lie gave his allegiance to the Democratic party, 
but never consented to accept official preferment of any sort. He was- 
prominently identified with the Masonic fraternity, in which he rounded 
the circle of the York Rite, having been a member of the local com- 
mandery of Knights Templar. 

On the 12th of October, 1869, was solemnized the marriage of 
Mr. Stone to Miss Agnes A. Lee, who was born in Livonia, New York, 
the daughter of Dr. Enoch M. and Mary (Chamberlain) Lee, who be- 
came residents of Urbana in 1858, and here the father continued in the 
active practice of dentistry for two score years, his death occurring on 
December 23, 1889. Mr. and Mrs. Stone became the parents of two 
children. — Montana, who is the wife of Dr. E. W. Ludlow, of Ur- 
bana; and Lee Ferdinand, who married Miss Catherine Squares and 
who is identified with the business of the firm of Stone Brothers, being 
one of the able and popular young business men of this city. 



GABRIEL KENTON. 

1 
One of the old and representative citizens of Mad River township, 
where he has a well improved farmstead in section 2, it is signally con- 
sistent that a sketch of the career of Mr. Kenton be incorporated in this 
work. He has passed practically his entire life in the county . and is 
now one of the oldest native-born residents of Mad River township,. 
while his name has ever been 2 synonym for honor and integrity in all 
the relations of life. 

Mr. Kenton was born in this township on the 1st of October, [815, 
being the -mi of Mark Kenton, who was born in* Kentucky and who was 
about seventeen years of age when he came to Champaign county, 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 591 

arriving here on the 2d of May, 1802. and thus becoming one of the 
early settlers. He lived for nearly a half century in Mad River town- 
ship and his death occurred in 185 1. He was a son of William Kenton, 
who was born in Fauquier county, Virginia, and was numbered among 
the first settlers of Champaign county, there having been but two houses 
in what is now the city of Springfield at the time when he erected his 
little log domicile in Mail River township, where he continued to reside 
until his death, at the age of about eighty-four years. The maiden 
name of our subject's mother was Susan Markley. who was born near 
the citv of Baltimore. Maryland, and died at the age of about sixty-six 
years. Mark and Susan 1 Markley) Kenton became the parents of five 
sons and two daughters, all of whom grew to maturity and three of 
whom are living at the present time, the subject of this sketch having 
been the eldest in the family. He was reared on the parental farm- 
stead in section 6, this township, and his educational advantages were 
such as were afforded in the little log school house, with its slab benches, 
puncheon floor, wide fireplace and oiled paper for windows. He at- 
tended school during the three winter months and devoted the remainder 
of his time to assisting in the reclaiming and cultivation of the pioneer 
farm. He continued to be engaged in farming and stock raising on the 
old homestead until he had attained the age of about forty years, when, 
in August, 1854. he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Ann Bryan, 
who died a few years later, as did also their one child. Subsequently 
Mr. Kent. in married Mrs. Rachel A. Bryan, the widow of Parker Bryan 
and a native of the state of Virginia. By her first marriage she was the 
mother oi six children, namely: Levi. Mary, Irene, Jennie, John H. and 
Prank. Jennie is the wife of John Dunlap; Mary is the wife of George 
Ward; Irene is deceased: Levi married Jennie Powell: Frank married 
Alice Minich; John II. married Nancy Walker and resides on the old 

homestead with our subject, having charge of the operation of the 
31 



592 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

farm. Mr. Kenton is the owner of eight hundred acres of as good land 
as can be found in this section of the state and the greater portion of the 
same is under a fine state of cultivation. In addition to bis fine landed 
estate in bis native county be also owns six hundred and forty acres in 
Texas, and a farm of forty-three acres in Edgar count}-, Illinois. By 
good management and indefatigable application he has attained a high 
degree of success, and is known and honored as one of the sterling pio- 
neer citizens of Champaign county. He was originally a Whig in poli- 
tics, having cast his first presidential vote for Henry Clay, in [836, and 
he transferred his allegiance to the Republican party at the time of its 
organization and has voted for each of its presidential candidates since 
that time, having e\ er been a stanch supporter of its cause. The success 
which crowns his efforts in bis venerable years is the more pleasing to 
note from the fact that it represents the result of bis own labors. He 
started out as a poor boy, having few advantages, and has not only at- 
tained marked prosperity but has become a man of broad information 
through reading and practical association with men and affairs during a 
1( mg and useful lite. 



DAVID FRANK. 

One of the venerable and honored representatives of one of the early 
pioneer families of Champaign county, where he has passed bis entire 
life, on this score alone would it be incumbent to accord to Mr. Frank 
consideration in these pages, but aside from this he is personallv one of 
those sterling characters who command respect by reason of intrinsic 
worth, and he has contributed bis quota to the development of this section 
of the slate, true to all the duties of citizenship, kindly and generous in 
nature, and one who has "borne the heat and burden oi the daw" and 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 593 

now, at : Jie venerable ag'e of more tlian four score years, rests secure in 
the comforts which his years ol toil and endeavor have granted, and in 
the honors which accompany venerable years and worthy lives. 

Mr. Frank has one of the well improved and valuable farm estates 
of the county, the same being located in section 29. Mad River township, 
in which township he was born, in the little log-cabin home of the pio- 
neer epoch, at a point one-half mile distant from his present attractive 
and modern residence, the date of his nativity having been December 26, 
[819, so that we may believe that he was cordially welcomed as a some- 
what belated Christmas guest in the little cabin, home. His father. Mar- 
tin Frank, was born in the state of Virginia, in the vear 1796, and thence. 
as a young man. emigrated to Ohio and located in Champaign county, 
as one of its earliest pioneers, as may well be inferred from the mere fact 
that it was nearly a century ago that he here established his little log 
cabin home in the midst of the forest wilds. He located on a tract of 
government land in what is now Mad River township, and here he liter- 
ally hewed out a farm, clearing his land to a large extent and becoming 
one of the prominent men of the locality, where he was honored for his 
sterling worth of character and where he passed the residue of his life, 
fie was of German descent, the family having been long established on 
American soil. On the 24th of September, [815, Martin Frank was 
united in marriage to Miss Sarah Argerbright, who was born in Rock- 
ingham county. Virginia, and she lived to attain the age of about sixty 
years. In the family were twelve children, and of this number only four 
are living at the time of this writing, the subject of this sketch having 
been the eldest. 

David Frank has been an eye witness of the transitions which have 
marked the development of this county from a veritable sylvan wilder- 
ness to its present position as a rich and well populated section of one 
of the foremost states in the Union, and from his youth up he rendered 



594 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

assistance in the work which stood for the founding of the prosperity" 
which has been cumulative in the succeeding' years and which he con- 
tinued to further by his zealous and well directed efforts. His 
early educational advantages were such as were afforded in the little 
li ig schoolhouse, with its meagre equipments, and he continued t< > assist 
in the work of the parental homestead until his first marriage, to Man 
Kyte, who lived to be about sixty-eight years of age. He later was united 
in marriage to Sarah Armstrong, who was born in Berkeley county. \ ir- 
ginia (now West Virginia), in November, 1834, being the daughter of 
Jacob and Nancy Armstrong, who came to Champaign county when she 
was twelve years of age. She was educated in the public schools of 
Urbana, and that she profited well by her advantages and effectively sup- 
plemented them by private study, is evident when we revert to the fact 
that for forty years she was one of the honored and particularly success- 
ful teachers in the schools of this county, having been for half of this 
period engaged as teacher in the city schools of Urbana. She became 
widely known throughout the county and here her friends are in number 
as her acquaintances, while there are many of her former pupils who 
have attained distinction in the various vocations of life and who retain 
for her a sincere esteem and affection. Mrs. Frank continued in the 
pedagogic profession until her marriage to our subject, on the 8th of 
June. 1893. Airs. Frank was the second in a family of nine children, and 
only four of the number ar.e now living. The father of Mrs. Frank lived 
to attain the age of eighty-one years, his devoted wife having passed away 
at the age of seventy-seven. The subject of this review is one oi the 
oldest of the surviving native sons of Champaign county, has devi ted his 
entire life to agricultural pursuits, in which he has not been denied a 
high measure of success, and he is still exceptionally alert and active for 
one of his advanced age. In politics he has given an unqualified support 
to the principles and policies of the Democratic party from the time of 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 595 

attaining his legal majority, and for more than a score of years he has 
been a devoted and influential member of the Baptist church at Xettle 
l reck. His farm comprises one hundred and sixty acres, and is one of 
the valuable properties of this section, having the best of permanent im- 
provements, all of which have been made by Mr. Frank, while his careful 
management and progressive ideas are shown in every detail, for with- 
out such care he could not have attained so marked success nor have 
developed so attractive an estate. 



ABRAHAM SHOCKEY. 

In the best development of Champaign county Abraham Shockey 
has borne an important part. He has been identified with its agricultural 
interests since pioneer days, and while promoting the material welfare 
of the community he has also given an active and liberal support to those 
measures which tend to advance the intellectual and moral status. His 
birth occurred in Mad River township. Champaign county, December 16. 
1841. His paternal great-grandfather was a brave and loyal soldier 
during the Revolutionary war. serving fn mi the beginning of the struggle 
to its close, and his services were principally in North Carolina. His 
son. Abraham Shockey. came to Champaign county, Ohio, in iSoj from 
Kentucky, with his wife and one child. The wife and child came on the 
one horse and Mr. Shockey walked. He located on section 3, Mad River 
township, where he cleared a farm from the dense woods. Wild animals 
and Indians were then vet'}- numerous in this locality, and he was one of 
die earliest pioneers of the county. His son also named Abraham, lie- 
came the father of our subject. He was born in this locality in [816, 
and was reared, married and died in the same locality. For his wife be 
chose Elizabeth NefF, who was born in Virginia, but when a young; 



596 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

woman she came with her father, Abram Neff, to Clark count} - . Ohio, 
and from there to Champaign county, where she passed away in death 
at the age of fifty-five years, while her husband reached the age of 
seventy-six years. 

Abraham Shockey, his parents' only child, has spent his entire life 
on the farm where he now lives, and the district schools of the neighbor- 
hood afforded him his educational advantages in youth. Throughout 
iiis entire life he has been engaged in agricultural pursuits and stock- 
raising, and his landed possessions now consist of three hundred and six- 
teen acres' of rich and fertile land, his fields being under an excellent state 
of cultivation and adorned with many substantial and valuable improve- 
ments. 

In [866 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Shockey and Miss 
Cinderella Kiser. The lady was born and reared in Harrison township, 
Champaign count}, Ohio, her parents being Jacob and Catherine Kiser, 
prominent and early settlers of that locality. Six children have blessed 
the union of our subject and wife, namely: Weldon R., who married 
Lydia R. Mitzel and resides in Urbana; Elijah F., who married Mabel 
Miller, and resides upon a part of his father's farm; John P. and Livonia 
E., at home. Two children are now deceased — Catherine E. and Abra- 
ham. Prior to the Civil war Mr. Shockey gave his political support to 
the Democracy, but since that time has been a stanch supporter of Re- 
publican principles. He is a man of enterprise and public spirit and is 
thoroughly identified in feeling with the growth and prosperity of the 
county which has so long been bis home. 

■*-—■ 

ISAIAH H. COLBERT. 

I he life history of him whose name introduces this review is 
closely identified with the history of Champaign county, which has 
been his home for more than eighty years. He began his career in 






CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 597 

the early pioneer epoch of the county, and throughout the years which 
have since come and gone he has been closely identified with its inter- 
ests and upbuilding. lie is a native son of Champaign county, his 
birth having occurred in Mad River township on the 31st of January, 
182] His paternal grandfather. Jesse Colbert, was born in the famous 
old Blue Grass state, but became one of the early pioneers of Cham- 
paign county, Ohio, where he took up his abode in Mad River town- 
ship. He was of English descent. The father of our subject. John 
Colbert, was born on the line separating the state of Virginia and 
Kentucky, and when about eighteen years of age accompanied his par- 
ents on their removal to Champaign county. Ohio. After bis marriage 
he located in the woods of Mad River township, where he erected a log 
cabin and began the arduous task of clearing his land and placing it 
under cultivation. His life's labors were ended in death at the age oi 
eighty-two years. He was a charter member of the Nettle Creek Bap- 
tist church, having assisted in the organization of that denomination 
and was a liberal contributor to its support. In political matters he was 
a life-long Democrat, and during the war of 181 2 was a brave and 
loyal soldier. 

In Mad River township. Champaign county. Mr. Colbert was united 
in marriage to Anna Smith, who was also a native of the Old Dominion, 
who, when twelve years of age. in company with her parents, made the 
journey by wagon and flat boat to Champaign county, Ohio, where she 
passed away in death at the ripe old age of ninety-one years. Her 
lather. Peter Smith, was thought to be of German nativity, and he. too, 

ne one of the early pioneers of this locality. He faithfully served 
his adopted country in its struggle for independence. The union of Mr. 
and Mrs. Colbert was blessed with six children, four sons and two 
daughters, namely: Isaac, deceased; Sarah, who was accidentally killed 
by a falling tree while making her way home from school through a 



598 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

storm; Louisa, the deceased wife of Daniel Blose: Isaiah H.. of this 
review; John and Peter, both deceased. 

Isaiah H. Colbert, the only surviving member of this once large 
family, pursued his education in the old pioneer schools of the neigh- 
borhood, with their greased paper windows, puncheon seats and rude 
slab desk.-, and after putting aside his text-books remained at home 
and assisted his father in the work of the farm until his marriage. 
Throughout his entire business career he has followed the tilling of 
the soil, and is now the owner of one hundred and twenty-three acres 
of well improved and productive land in Mad River township, on which 
he ha- placed many substantial and valuable improvements. His resi- 
dence is one of the landmarks of Champaign county, it having been 
erected in 1827 and in an early day was used as a tavern, known far 
and wide as the Blue Bell Tavern. It was also one of the first brick 
houses erected in the county, and was built by his uncle, Isaac Smith. 
Since attaining to years of maturity Mr. Colbert has given an unfalter- 
ing support to the principles of Democracy, and on its ticket he has 
been elected to many positions of trust and responsibility, having served 
for many year- as the township assessor and also as a trustee. His has 
been a noble Christian life, in harmony with the teachings of the Bap- 
tist church, he having been long a member of the Nettle Creek Baptist 
church in Mad River township. 

The marriage of Mr. Colbert was celebrated on the Kith of April, 
184O. when Amanda W'iant became his wife. She. ton, was a native 
of this locality, her birth having occurred on the iSth of February, 1827. 
Her father, Adam W'iant. was a native of Virginia, as was also his 
father, Adam W'iant, Sr. The former came to this locality in the pio- 
neer days, ami on a farm here he spent the remainder of his life, passing 
tn hi- final reward at the age of eighty-four years. His wife, who bore 
the maiden name of Mary Magart, was also a native of the Old Domin- 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 599 

ion and they became the parents of nine children, of whom Mrs. Col- 
bert was the third in order of birth. She, too, received her education in 
the primitive log school house of that day. Unto the union of our sub- 
ject and wife have been born six children, three sons and three daugh- 
ters, as follows : Rowena, the deceased wife of David Loudenback, of 
Mad River township, by whom she has six children, Carrie (deceased), 
Edgar, Edna. Walter, Frank and Wilbur; Benjamin, deceased; Fer- 
nanda, deceased; Melissa, the wife of W. J. Harwood, of Springfield, 
Ohio, and they have two children, Nellie M. and Frank Lee; Jennie, 
\vh< became the wife of J. W. Straub, by whom she had two sons, Wal- 
ter and Harold, the latter now deceased, as is also Mrs. Straub; Gerald, 
who married Laura O. Taylor, whose father's history will be found on 
another page of this volume, and they have four children. Lula A., Evan 
T.. Madge G. and Donald II. Mr. and Mrs. G Jbert also have one great- 
grandchild. Donald A., the son of W. D. Loudenback. Few men have 
more devoted friends than our honored subject and none excel him in 
unselfish devotion and unswerving fidelity to the worthy recipients of 
his confidence and friendship. 



DANIEL C. HOUSER, M. D 

Among the prominent physicians of Champaign county is Dr. Dan- 
iel Carry Houser. of Millerstown. He was born in Johnson township. 
two miles northwest of this city, April i, 1867. His father. William 
Houser, was born in Schuylkill county. Pennsylvania, on the 9th of 
March, 1830. and was there reared and educated in the German tongue. 
During the first thirty years of bis life he followed the carpenter's trade, 
after which he devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits. In 1852 be 



6oo CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

came to Champaign county, Ohio, locating in Johnson township, near 
Millerstown. where for a time lie followed the carpenter's trade and later 
took ii]i his abode on a farm in this vicinity. After coming to this county 
he was united in marriage to Henrietta Idle, who was born in Concord 
township. Champaign county, on the 28th of January. 1839. His father. 
Henry Idle, was one of the early pioneers of this count)', having removed 
here from Virginia. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Houser were born six sons, 
— John W., Daniel C. Louis H., J. P., Jerry and Taylor. All were horn 
and reared in Champaign county, and with the exception of the youngest 
all are still living. Mr. Houser is a life-long Democrat, and is a valued 
member of the old German Reformed church. 

Daniel C. Houser, of this review, remained under the parental roof 
until he was twenty-six years of age, and the district schools of Cham- 
paign county afforded him his educational privileges. At the early age 
of eighteen years he began teaching in the schools of his native township, 
tollowing that profession for eight vears, and during five years of the 
time he also studied medicine under the preceptorship of Dr. Longfellow, 
o] Crbana. Later he became a student in the Starling Medical College, 
of Columbus. Ohio, in which institution he was graduated on the 25th 
of March, 1897. ^ n tnat . vear ne began the practice of his profession in 
Millerstown. He now enjoys a large general patronage and holds pres- 
tige among the most eminent members of the profession in this part of 
the state. He is also the owner of twenty acres of land north of Millers- 
town. 

In Champaign county, on the 23d of October, 1893. Dr. Houser 
was united in marriage to Miss Florence M. Huntoon, a native daughter 
oi this county, where she was born on the 20th of July, [869. She was 
a successful teacher in the schools of this locality prior to her marriage. 
Her father. Martin True Huntoon, was born in New Hampshire, hut in 
a very earl)- day came to Champaign county, and in Union township was 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 60 1 

united in marriage to Abigail Minturn, a native of Columbus, Ohio. 
They became the parents of six children, — Charles, Edward. Susan, 
Anna. William and Florence. The third son. William, is now deceased. 
All were born and reared in Champaign county. Mr. and Mrs. Houser 
have had two children,— Lester, born in Millerstown, September 6, [894, 
and Lela. born March 13, 1S98. The Doctor gives his political support 
to the Democratic party, and in his fraternal relations is a member ol 
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Crayon. He is a valued mem- 
ber of the Baptist church at .Millerstown, in which he has served as a 
deacon for a number of years. Both as a physician and citizen he enjoys 
the high esteem of the residents of Champaign county. 



ELWOOD S. AkCLELLAX. 

For a number of years Elwood S. McClellan has been an honored 
resident of Champaign count}-. He has won an excellent reputation in 
business circles, and whatever tends to elevate and improve the condition 
of his fellow men is certain to receive bis earnest support and influence.. 
He was born in Tiffin. Seneca county, Ohio. September 2J, 1854. His 
lather. Hiram McClellan, was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, 
and after his marriage removed to Tiffin, Ohio, removing thence, in 
1868, to Cable, Champaign county, where he is now a retired farmer. 
I he mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Eliza Swisher, and 
she, to.,, wa^ a native of Lancaster county. Pennsylvania. She now re- 
sides with her husband in their pleasant home in Cable. Of their six 
children three are now living, two sons and one daughter, and two daugh- 
ters and a son are deceased. 

Elwood S. McClellan, the second child and second son in the above 



<5o2 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

family was fourteen years of age when lie came with his parents to 
Wayne township, Champaign county. Prior to his removal here he at- 
tended the schools < f Seneca county, later became a student in the Heidel- 
berg College, at Tiffin, and after completing his education he taught for 
three terms in Wayne and Rush townships. Champaign county. For the 
following six years he was engaged in farming near Mingo. In 1886 
he left his Ohio home for Kansas, and in Gray county, that state, took 
up government land and followed agricultural pursuits there for two 
years, during which time he was active in public affairs, having served 
as count 1 .- commissioner and being also elected to the legislature from 
Gray county. He still owns one hundred and sixty acres of land in that 
state. His homestead in Wayne township. Champaign county, consists 
of two hundred and ten acres, and he also owns one hundred and eighty- 
eight acres in Logan county, Ohio. In addition to the raising of the 
cereals lie also makes a specialty of the raising of standard bred trotting 
horses, ami in this line of endeavor has met with a high degree of suc- 
cess. His home place is known as the "Kings Creek \ alley Stock Farm," 
and there he raises annually about thirty head of horses and cattle. He 
now luis "Strong Boy," J : 1 1 ' [, and "Aletus," -? : 1 7 W- . His political sup- 
port is given to the Republican party, and for a long period he served as 
chairman of the school board in Wayne township. 

In 1877 occurred the marriage of Mr. McClellan and Miss Maria 
f. Johnson, anil they have four children, two sons and two daughters. 
— Maud. Hiram, Marg'aret and Ivan Boggs, all at home. The family are 
members of the Friends church. Mrs. McClellan was born January 2, 
1854, in Wayne township, this county, daughter of Hiram and Margaret 
Johnson. He was born in Wayne township and lived there for ninety- 
two years, being a very successful farmer anil cattle raiser, who owned 
nineteen hundred acres of land free of all incumbrance when he died in 
[901 . in his ninety-second year. His wife was born in Virginia January 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 603; 

14. 1817. daughter of David and Esther Brown. The former was born 
in Frederick county, Virginia, was a successful farmer and died at the 
age of eighty-two, while his wife, Esther, after raising eight children, 
died about middle life. Hiram Johnson had two sons. Nelson and 
Alfred. Nelson died leaving a. large estate, while Alfred is still living. 



RICHARD DU VAL WILLIAMS. 

From the beginning of his active connection with Mechanicsburg, 
in 1S39. Richard Du Yal Williams strove ti> maintain conditions com- 
mercially and industrially substantial, and morally and intellectually 
high. That he was eminently successful in the consummation of his 
desires is vouched for by those permitted to associate with him in what- 
soever capacity and by the banking and mercantile concerns which owe 
their origin and subsequent success to his appreciation of their utility. 

From forefathers long connected with the south Mr. Williams in- 
herited not only thrift and industry but a nature at once devout and 
humanitarian. He was born in Pleasant Grove, Maryland. June 27, 
1815, and his death occurred in this town, December 4. 1894. In the 
early subscription schools of Maryland he acquired such education as a 
busy childhood around the home farm permitted, and when alxmt sixteen 
years oi age, in 1831, he accompanied his parents to the supposed larger 
opportunities in the vicinity of Mechanicsburg. Eight years later, in 
[839, he entered mercantile ranks in the town, and from the humble 
position of clerk worked his way up to a general knowledge of the busi- 
ness. He possessed shrewd common sense, and had a keen knowledge 
of human nature, and these attribute's, allied with tact and a desire to 



6o 4 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

please, won for him- in time a really unusual success. The business 
established by him so many years ago is still one of the landmarks of the 
city, and is owned and managed by his son, C. W. Williams, who con- 
ducts his affairs under the firm name of C. YV. Williams & Company. 

In [86; Mr. Williams, with the able assistance of Thomas Davis, 
organized the Farmers Bank, of Mechanicsburg, of which he was presi- 
dent up to the time of his death. Scarcely an effort to further the wel- 
fare of the town but that bore the impress of his wise enthusiasm and 
often practical assistance, and he was looked upon as one of those con- 
servative forces which are as rudders in any growing community. In 
his adopted town he was a power in the Methodist Episcopal church, 
which denomination he had joined when thirteen years of age. For 
forty-two vears he was recording steward of the church, and fur twenty- 
five years was superintendent of the Sunday-school. He earnestly be- 
lieved in the tenets of his church, and through his influence many were 
brought within the fold thereof. In his effort to uplift humanity he was 
ably seconded by his wife, whom he married in [829, and who was form- 
erly jane Claggett, of Annapolis. Maryland. Of the children reared in the 
Williams home but three are now living, and of these, C. W. Williams 
bears an honored reputation in. the community, and inherits to a large 
degree his father's business discretion and ability. 

A native of Mechanicsburg, C. W. Williams was born May 4, 1841, 
and was educated in the public schools of the town. Under his sire's 
example and instruction he developed into a practical business man, and 
since 1865 has had control of a large and lucrative business. In [865 
he married Rebecca Guy, who died in 1877. leaving three children, 
(hark- Edwin, Alta Rebecca and Frances. In 1S78 Mr. Williams mar- 
ried Mary Horr, and of this union there are also three children. Anna 
May, Helen Jane and Howard Horr. Mr. Williams is a Republican in 
political affiliation, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. C05 

HIRAM McCLELLAN. 

For many years the subject of this review, Hiram McClellan, has 
been engaged in agricultural pursuits in Champaign county, and in the 
locality where he has so long resided he is loved and honored for his 
many noble characteristics. A native son of the Keystone state, his 
birth there occurred in Lancaster county, June 28, 1829. His father, 
foseph McClellan. was a native of Philadelphia, that state, while the 
paternal grandparents of our subject were burn in either Ireland or 
Scotland. In a very early day they located in Lancaster county. Penn- 
sylvania, where they followed the tilling of the soil. There the son 
Joseph was reared to years of maturity, but in 1853 he left the home 
of his youth for the Buckeye state, where he resided from that time 
until 1865, and in the latter year he took up bis abode in Brown county, 
Illinois, his death there occurring in Galesburg. In political matters he 
gave a stanch support to Republican principles, and his last presidential 
vote was cast for Lincoln at his second election. He was then in a very 
feeble condition, but such was his enthusiasm and public spirit that he 
was carried to the pulls, entirely against his physician's advice. His 
death occurred when he had reached his sixty-ninth year. As a com- 
panion on the journey of life he chose Clarisa Souder, a native of Mary- 
land, but when sixteen years of age she accompanied her parents on 
their removal to Pennsylvania. Her father, David Souder, was a me- 
chanic and also a carpenter and builder, and he lived to the ripe old age 
"i ninety-four years. Late in life he removed to Tiffin, Ohio, and when 
he was ninety-three years of age he walked a mile and a quarter to the 
vote for Lincoln at his second election. The town of Souders- 
i'ennsylvania, was named in his honor. His wife reached the age 
of seventy-five years. She was a sister of Senator Peffer's mother. Mr. 
and Mrs. McClellan became the parents of five children who grew to 



606 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

years of maturity, namely: Hiram, the subject of this review; Nancy, 
the wife of Dr. William Kaull. of Princeton, Illinois; Emma, the wife 
of John Bailey, editor of the Bureau County Republican, of Princeton, 
Illinois ; Captain Joseph Simpson, who served as a soldier in the Civil 
war and is now identified with the Horticultural Society of Colorado; 
Lavema, the wife of Samuel Osborn, also a soldier in the Civil war in 
an Indiana regiment, and he is now employed as an attorney and in the 
real-estate business in Mankato, Minnesota. 

Hiram McClellan received his elementary education in the public 
schools of his native place and later he attended Whitesborough Acad- 
emy, New York. After completing his education he again entered the 
school room as an instructor and for twenty-two terms taught in both 
Pennsylvania and Ohio. On the 24th of December. 1850. he was 
united in marriage to Eliza Swisher, who was born in Lancaster county, 
Pennsylvania, in October. 1827, a daughter of Jeremiah and Mary (Pen- 
nington ) Swisher. On the maternal side she is descended from English 
Quakers who came to this country with William Penn, while on the 
paternal side she is of Swiss descent. Mrs. McClellan. the third in order 
of birth of her parents' ten children, was reared and educated in Lan- 
caster county, Pennsylvania, where she attended the common and select 
schools, and was afterward employed as an instructor for three terms. 
In 1 S 5 [ Mr. and Mrs. McClellan made the journey to Ohio, spending 
the first eighteen years in Tiffin, Seneca county, where they were engaged 
in farming and teaching. Since 1868 they have resided in Cable, and 
adjoining this village they own ninety-two acres of rich and valuable 
land, lie lias ever taken an active interest in the public affairs of his 
locality, where for fifteen years he has served as a notary public, and 
his political support is given to the Prohibition party. He is a mem- 
ber of the Methodist Episcopal church. 

Ihe union of our subject and his wife ha- been blessed with six 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 607 

children, namely : Leander S.. a farmer and manufacturer in Wayne 
township, Champaign county; E!wood S., whose sketch appears on 
another page of this volume; Mary, the wife of Philander P. Lindill. of 
Wayne township ; Clarence, who died while attending Delaware College, 

June 1 1). 1883, the year of his graduation; Abbie, who became the wife 
of Alexander Crisman and died in 181)3; and Cora, who became the 
wife of R. P. Blackburn and died in 1901. Mr. and Mrs. McClellan also 
have thirteen grandchildren. They have been very active in the cause of 
temperance. Mr. McClellan took the pledge at eight years of age and 
since has done many acts substantially good for the cause, while his wife 
has worked in the cause of temperance almost all her life, joining the 
Woman's Christian Temperance Union in 1874, and has been very act- 
ive or. these lines since, holding the principal offices of that organization 
for several years. Mr. McClellan has been a representative to the Grand 
Lodge of the Good Templars. 



HORACE M. CROW. 

The emulator but by no means imitator of his distinguished and 
capable father, Horace M. Crow, one of the most erudite of the legal 
practitioners of Champaign county, and a resident of Urbana for the 
greater part of his life, was born in Cincinnati, this state, April 4, 1855. 
His parents, Thomas D. and Henrietta (Downs) Crow, were married 
in 1847, an( l tne latter died in 1858. when her son was but a toddling 
child. The father came to Urbana when fourteen years of age. after 
completing a bound-boy's service, and while learning the tailor's trade 
began to make amends for a hitherto neglected education. Because of 
his untiring industry and application he in time gained exceptional gen- 

32 



6o3 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

eral and legal knowledge, and like a sturdy oak pushed his way and 
stood erect in the midst of disturbing and conflicting elements. His 
subsequent association with the professional and educational under- 
takings of the county is dwelt upon at length in another part of this 
work, yet none but the universal record is needed to enroll his name 
among the men of all climes who have not only found but have created 
opportunities. 

From about his fifth year Horace M'. Crow received his early train- 
in;," in Urbana, and after completing the course at the public schools 
studied during 1870-71-72 at the Ohio Wesleyan University. He after- 
ward taught school in Franklin and Champaign counties, and was thus 
employed for about three years, and in the meantime had come to regard 
law as a science whose mastery would be not only congenial but emi- 
nently fitting. Not possessing the available means to devote his entire 
time to professional research he secured employment as a clerk in a mer- 
cantile establishment, and at the same time studied law in the office of 
his father and brother. He was admitted to the bar in December of 
1878, and in January of the following year began to practice in Urbana. 
In tin spring of r88i he changed his field of activity to Van Wert, in 
which town he lived for four \ears, and where he served as deputy clerk 
for one term. In December of 1884 Mr. Crow resumed practice in Ur- 
bana, and in February of [887 removed to Columbus, as deputy clerk 
oi the supreme court, an office maintained until September of 1893. His 
stanch support of the Republican party resulted in still further appreci- 
ation on the part of his former fellow townsmen of Urbana, for in 1895 
be was elected city solicitor of the town, and discharged the duties of 
the office for two terms, or until the spring of [899. In partnership with 
his brother Mr. Crow continued to add to bis already large clientele, 
but since the departure of the brother for the west he has proceeded on 
independent professional lines. An additional responsibility satisfac- 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 609 

torily assumed by Mr. Crow lias been the secretaryship of the Industry 
Loan & Building Company, with which he became connected in 1893. 
The marriage of Mr. Crow and Frances Kenaga. daughter of W. F. 
Kenaga, a retired farmer of Urbana. occurred in. October of 18S2. Mr. 
Crov i- variously associated with the social, professional and fraternal 
organizations in which Urbana abounds, and is especially well known 
as a Mason, being past master of Champaign Lodge and past high priest 
of Urbana Chapter. This is his third year as thrice illustrious master 
of the Urbana Council. R. l\: S. M. With his wife he is a member of, 
and liberal contributor towards, the Methodist Episcopal church. In his 
relation to all phases of life in Urbana Mr. Crow bears an enviable 
reputation, and his intelligent determination, clear and incisive mind, 
loyalty to interests confided to his care, as well as his natural and ac- 
quired ability combined with a genius for hard work, make him a lawyer 
in whom his clients may have implicit confidence, and for whom may 
safely be predicted a continuation of his present success. 



W. W. WILSON. 



Whether as cashier of the Citizens National Bank since 1878. as a 
soldier strenuously employed in the service of his country during the 
Civil war. or as a promoter of peaceful and substantial conditions in his 
adopted town of Urbana. W. W. Wilson has made faithfulness to duty 
his unchanging watchword, and thoroughness and stability bis rule of 
life. A native of Concord township, this county, to which his paternal 
grandfather came many years ago from Washington county, Pennsyl- 
vania, he was born May 1, 1842, and is a son of Elias R. and Mary 
(Russell) Wilson, the former also born in Concord township. 



610 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

When four years of age W. W. Wilson was left fatherless, his 
brother, John R. Wilson, now of Oklahoma territory, being the other 
son in the family. Although the mother afterwards re-married, the fact 
did not materially change the prospects of the boys, and when eight or 
nine years of age \Y. VV. found himself face to face with the serious and 
responsible side of life. However, he managed in the midst of his 
arduous farm duties to acquire a fair education in the district schools, 
and even at a later day succeeded in graduating from the high-school at 
Urbana. A variation in a somewhat monotonous agricultural existence 
was brought about with the culmination of smouldering hostilities be- 
tween the north and south, and in April of 1861 he endeavored to become 
a member of a home company of which A. F. Vance, Si\. was captain. 
The quota being full he was not mustered in, but in September of the 
opening year of the war he enlisted in Company G, Sixty-sixth Ohio 
Volunteer Infantry, for three vears, and upon the organization of the 
company was appointed sergeant. Little dreaming of the permanent re- 
minder of grim-visaged war which fate had in store for him. he de- 
parted with the company for the front in January of 1862, and the fol- 
lowing June, at the battle of Port Republic, Virginia, sustained a severe 
injur_\ to bis leg. Totally disabled, the injured member proved a source 
ot great suffering and inconvenience, and was subjected to three differ- 
ent stages of amputation in the effort to save a part of its usefulness. 
In addition to this trying ordeal, Mr. Wilson fell into the hands of the 
enemy, and for four months was permitted to familiarize himself with 
the interiors of the prisons at Waynesboro, Lynchburg and Libby. 
Eventually exchanged, be was discharged in I (ecember of [862, his brief 
but terrible military experience having contained about all the trials to 
which soldiers are heir. Since peace was restored be has been a member 
of the W. A. Brand Post, No. 98, Grand Army of the Republic. 

During [866 and [867 Mr. Wilson was journal clerk of the Ohio 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 611 

house of representatives, and the latter part of 1867 was appointed revenue 
collector of his district, a position creditably maintained for eleven years, 
or until the assumption in 1878 of his present responsibility as cashier 
of the Citizens Bank. In 1868 Mr. Wilson was united in marriage with 
Anna Virginia Russell, who died in 1898, leaving three children, Will- 
iam R., Carrie Virginia and Frank C. In 1900 Mr. Wilson married 
Mrs. Mary B. Murry, widow of James Murry. The Methodist Episco- 
pal church has a stanch worker and supporter in Mr. Wilson, who has 
teen a steward of the church for forty years, superintendent of the Sun- 
day-school for ten or twelve years, and also a teacher in the Sunday- 
school. As one of the best known, must thoroughly enterprising and 
most helpful of the citizens of Urbana, Mr. Wilson receives a deserved 
measure of appreciation, and his tact and agreeable personality have won 
him many friends. 



ELIJAH T. WOODCOCK. 

Aiming those activity in normal channels of business enterprise have 
accelerated the current of industrial progress in Champaign county. 
Ohio, is Mr. Woodcock, who for more than a quarter of a century has 
been one of the leading grain and produce dealers in this section of 
the Buckeye state. He has attained in business a prominence that is due 
entirely to honorable and systematic methods, indefatigable industry and 
resolute purpose, and thus his success has been worthily won, while its 
natural concomitant is the unreserved confidence and esteem accorded 
by his fellow men. 

The name borne by our subject has been identified with the annals 
of American history from the time of its practical inception and is one 
which has been prominent in the business, civic and public affairs of 



6i2 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

various sections of the Union, throughout which representatives of the 
family have been disseminated, as one generation has followed another 
upon the stage of life's activities. It is an established fact that the 
original American progenitor was an Englishman who was numbered 
among the pilgrims who sailed for the new world on the historic May- 
flower, probably coming on the second voyage of this stanch but primi- 
tive craft. He finally settled in Brattleboro, Vermont, where he became 
one of the prominent and influential men of the colony. His descend- 
ants are now to be found in the most diverse section of the Union. < Inr 
subject's maternal ancestors became early and prominently identified 
with the history of New Hampshire, and the maternal grandfather was 
numbered among the early settlers in western Xew York. 

Elijah T. Woodcock was born in Allegany county, New York, on 
the 15th of January, 1833, being a son of David and Martha (Osgood) 
Woodcock, both of whom were born in Swansey, Xew Hampshire, 
where their marriage was solemnized and whence they emigrated to 
New York, where the father was engaged in agricultural pursuits until 
his death. They became the parents of ten children, of whom seven 
lived to attain years of maturity, while five of the number are living at 
the present time. The subject of this sketch was reared under the sturdy 
and invigorating discipline of the farm, and it is interesting to note the 
tact that during the long years of his active and useful life he ha- con- 
tinued to be identified, in a direct or collateral way. with the great basic 
art ot husbandry. He remained on the old homestead until he had at- 
tained his legal majority, attending the common schools of the vicinity 
ami later prosecuting his studies for a time in the Alfred Academy, in 
bis native count)', this being a popular institution and one of high repu- 
tation. He left this school in 1855 and made his way to the west, lo- 
cating top a time in Iowa and thence removing to Minnesota, where he 
had the distinction of being the first settler in Kandiyohi county, this 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 613 

being in the year 1856. He soon returned to his native state, locating in 
Wellsville, where, under the firm name of Woodcock & Crittenden, he 
was associated in the conducting of an extensive produce business until 
1876. in which rear he came to Urbana, Ohio, being joined by his fam- 
ily two years later, and here they have ever since maintained their home. 
Here he forthwith established himself in the grain and produce business 
and is now the pioneer operati r in this very important line of industry, 
with which he has been here consecutively identified for more than 
twenty-five years. In this connection we cannot, perhaps, do better than 
to quote from an article appearing in the Champaign Democrat of 
March 30, 1899, since the statements remain pertinent at the present 
time: "The pioneer business in nearly every town situated in an agri- 
cultural district is that involved in the establishment of a grain elevator, 
and no one factor is mure important in insuring the success of the farmer. 
With live, enterprising men of ample capital and good business connec- 
tions in the leading grain centers prosperity is assured. In the elevator 
of 'Sir. E. T. Woodcock we have such a factor. Handling of grain of 
all kinds, and also seeds and wool, for which the highest ruling prices 
are paid, this concern has become a favorite one in this vicinity. The 
facilities are unexcelled and bear evidence of careful planning, no ex- 
pense being spared to render the service first-class in every respect. Here, 
on the Big Four tracks, Mr. Woodcock has an elevator with a capacity 
of fifty thousand bushels, and in conjunction with Mr. A. Beatley he 
has a fifteen thousand bushel warehouse at King's Creek, on the rail- 
road, and another of eight thousand bushel capacity at Lippincott, and 
he also has arrangements for loading cars on the Erie road at Dallis' 
switch. In Mr. Woodcock we find a man thoroughly conversant with 
even- feature and detail of the business, a discriminating and careful 
buyer, a sharp seller and one who is universally respected." At one 
time Air. Woodcock was largely interested in the manufacture of phos- 



614 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

phate in Florida. He is a man of genial nature, frank and straight- 
forward in all the relations of life and having that intrinsic integrity 
whose domination results invariably in gaining and retaining unequi- 
vocal confidence and esteem. He is honored as an able and conservative 
business man and public-spirited citizen. In addition to his interests in 
Champaign county he is the owner of a large amount of valuable farm 
property in Harper county, Kansas. In politics Air. Woodcock exer- 
cises his franchise in support of the principles and policies of the Re- 
publican party, but, deeming his business affairs worthy of bis entire 
time and attention, he has refused to be "afflicted" with public office 
of any nature. 

On the 4th of September. 1856, Mr. Woodcock was united in mar- 
riage to Miss Loretta C. Curtis, of Franklinville, Cattaraugus county, 
New York, and of their children we incorporate brief record as follows: 
Dell is the wife of Frank Macken, of Wellsville, New York; Cora V. 
is the wife of George T. Alger of the same place; Helen M., a success- 
ful and popular teacher, died at Orange, New Jersey, in 1893. at the 
age of twenty-nine years; Jesse remains at the paternal home, assisting 
his father in his business; and Josephine is a popular and efficient teacher 
in the public schools of Urbana. Mrs. Woodcock and her children are 
members of the Baptist church. 



MARION W. THOMAS. 

As incumbent of the important and responsible office of treasurer of 
Champaign county, as a representative of one of the honored pioneer 
families of this favored section of the old Buckeye commonwealth, and 
as himself an able business man and representative citizen of Urbana, 




MARION W. THOMAS. 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORW 617 

there is prima facie propriety in here according specific mention of Mr. 
Thomas. 

.Marion W. Thomas was born in Jackson township. Champaign 
county, on the 29th of October, 1865, and he has passed the major portion 
of his life within the confines of his native county. The family whose 
reputation for worthy accomplishments he so well sustains had as its 
first representative in Ohio his grandfather. John Thomas, who was horn 
in the beautiful Shenandoah valley. Virginia, the name having been 
identified with the annals of the Old Dominion from an early epoch in its 
history. Tohn Thomas became one of the first settlers in Jackson town- 
ship, Champaign county, whither he had come from his old home in Vir- 
ginia, and here was born his son William, who figures as. the honored 
father of the subject of this sketch and who has been a most faithful and 
zealous worker in the vineyard of the divine Master, as a clergyman of 
the Baptist church. He was born in this county and was reared on the 
old pioneer homestead, and in his early youth he began preparing himself 
for the work of the ministry, eventually realizing his desires and being 
ordained in the Baptist church. His advocacy of truth and justice has 
been eloquently urged upon his hearers during the long years of his 
active ministry and he has accomplished much in the uplifting of his 
fellow men, being ever animated by a deep human sympathy ami imbued 
with a spirit of gentle tolerance, which has gained him the affection of 
those to whom he has ministered and over whom he has been placed in 
pastoral charge, his ministerial duties having in the past been associated 
with the work of his church throughout the greater portion of the state 
of Ohio. Rev. William Thomas is still living, having attained the vener- 
able age of seventy-seven years ( 1902). In carrying forward his work 
for humanity he found a devoted companion and coadjutor in the wife 
whom he married in early manhood and whose maiden name was Emily 
E. Watts and who was born at Mount Pleasant. Virginia, in 1828. 



6i8 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

When she was but five years of age she and her two sisters accompanied 
their widowed mother to Urbana, and here she was reared and educated. 
From his worthy father Marion W. Thomas inherited studious and 
inquiring menial traits, and thus he found but imperfect satisfaction in 
pursuing his studies in the district schools of his native count} - . Never- 
theless, from general observation in the midst of practical duties and 
environment, he learned much that can not be imparted in schools and 
that is not recorded in text-hooks, and personal application and well 
directed reading, study and research have effectively supplemented the 
rudimentary discipline of the public schools. Thinking to improve his 
prospects by removal to the west, Mr. Thomas passed a summer in that 
section and this interval proved of adequate duration for him to arrive at 
the conclusion that Ohio was, after all, a desirable field for legitimate 
enterprise and activity, and upon his return he assumed the management 
of his father's farm, the place having been for years a source of pride and 
satisfaction to the latter, and he had devoted much care and attention to 
improving and beautifying this attractive rural home, while continuing 
his active ministerial labors. In 1883 Air. Thomas made his initial efforts 
as a shipper of poultry, operating a branch house for Asa Stapleton dur- 
ing the winter season, when his attention was not demanded in connec- 
tion with the farm. He continued to be associated with Mr. Stapleton 
until the death of that gentleman. In 1891-2 he was junior member of 
the firm of Cline & Thomas, who engaged in the same line of enterprise, 
with the details of which our subject had become thoroughly familiar 
and along which he was destined to attain a high degree of success and 
the reputation of being pi issessed 1 if excellent executive and administrative 
abilities and. powers. In the fall of 1892 Mr. Thomas removed with his 
family to Saint Paris, and after the opening of the season of 1893 he 
effected a lease of the Stapleti in pi lultry-packing house, and simultaneously 
formed a partnership with Dr. C. Jones, under the firm title of Thomas 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. G19 

iS: Junes. They were thus associated in the poultry business until April. 
1895, when Mr. Thomas purchased his partner's interest and individually 
continued operations, his business for the ensuing year reaching the 
notable aggregate in transactions of fifty thousand dollars. He has ever 
since continued to be one of the leading poultry shippers of the state and 
is now carrying on operations upon a very extensive scale. In 1893 Mr. 
Tn. mas was elected to the office of city clerk of Saint Paris and two years 
later was chosen as his own successor in this office. In 1899 he entered 
the primary race for the office of county treasurer and in one of the most 
warmly contested campaigns in the history of the county was nominated 
as the Republican candidate for the office by a majority of four hundred 
and seventy-three, while in the ensuing election bis majority was nine 
hundred and seventy-one. In 1901 Mr. Thomas was renominated with- 
out opposition and was elected by a majority of seventeen hundred and 
thirty. — a fact in itself sufficiently significant to render unnecessary any 
words ot commendation in this connection and showing that his admin- 
istration of fiscal affairs had been such as to gam popular approval and 
a flattering endorsement, while in this connection it should be noted that 
he is the youngest man who has ever held this office in the county. He 
has given an unwavering allegiance to the Republican party and has taken 
an active interest in its local work and cause. He is esteemed by all who 
know him. without reference to political affiliations, and is one of the 
most painstaking and conscientious of the officers of Champaign c< unity. 
Fraternally he is identified with the Masonic order, the Knights of Pythias 
and the Improved Order of Red Men. 

On the 3d of December. [895, Mr. Thomas was united in marriage 
to Miss Ida L. Boyer, and they are the parents of two children. — Hazel 
L. and John. Mrs. Thomas is a lady of gracious presence and innate 
refinement, presiding with dignity over the home in Urbana, where Mr. 
1 homas took up his residence upon being elected to his present office. 



620 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

DR. ADAM MOSGROVE. 

One of the pioneer physicians of Champaign county and a man \\\v > 
wielded an extensive influence. Dr. Adam Mosgrove. left the impress of 
his individuality upon the public life and is still greatly esteemed for his 
genuine worth as a citizen. He was born in Inniskillen. in the county 
of Tyrone in Ireland. August 12, 1790. At the proper age he was placed 
under the instruction of a private teacher and thus acquired a good Eng- 
lish education and was prepared to enter the medical college at Edin- 
burgh, Scotland. He became a student in the Royal Academy of Sur- 
geons at Dublin, Ireland, where he was graduated April 7, 1S14. Im- 
mediately afterward he was commissioned as surgeon in the British Navy 
and on Easter Monday. 1816, left the Emerald Isle to assume the duties 
of surgeon on board the ship Charlotte, which sailed for the United 
States. When off the American coast the vessel became disabled in a 
storm and put in to the Pennsylvania Harbor for repairs but a dispute 
having arisen between the ship's officers and the British government the 
officers resigned their commissions and left the vessel in the harbor, where 
it remained until completely destroyed by decay. 

Dr. Mosgrove was then in a strange land and had in his possession 
hut seventy guineas. He started west to begin the battle of life, first lo- 
cating in Lancaster. Pennsylvania, but after a short time removed to 
Elizabeths nvn that state. In both places he practiced medicine and in the 
latter city was married, in 1817, to Mary Miller. About this time Dr. 
Mosgrove learned that George Moore, who was born in his own native 
town, had settled in Champaign county, Ohio, and the ties of nativity were 
sufficiently strong to attract him to the home of his old friend. In 1818, 
therefore, he packed his possessions in a wagon and with his wife started 
for the far west, arriving in Urbana in the latter part of June of the same 
year. Soon after arriving in this city the Doctor invested the few bun- 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 621 

dred dollars which he had saved in land and this was the nucleus around 
which the fortune, possessed at the time of his death, was slowly accumu- 
lated, fie purchased a small farm house situated in Miami street, just 
, est of what is now known as Douglas Inn. and that little frame dwelling 
continued to he his residence and oftice until he erected a new home on the 
the southeast corner of Walnut and Miami streets, where he resided up to 
the time of his death. The property is now- owned and occupied by his 
son, James M. Mosgrove, M. D., a sketch of whom appears elsewhere. 
On the dour cxf this residence is yet to be found the name of Dr. Adam 
Mi --rove, it being retained there by the son out of respect to the mem- 
ory of his father. 

In 1833 Dr. Mosgrove lost his first wife and in the following year 
was married to Frances A. Foley, a daughter John Foley, a prominent 
pioneer citizen of Clark county, Ohio. There were no children born of 
the second marriage. The Doctor's eldest son. John A. Mosgrove, now 
deceased, was a prominent citizen of Urbana for a long period. Colonel 
\Y. F. Mosgrove, the second son, organized a battery during the Civil war 
and died in 1869. Dr. James M. Mosgrove is still residing in Urbana 
and is the youngest of the family. 

The father was well known even beyond the limits of Champaign 
county and his professional services were frequently demanded long dis- 
tances from his home. For a number of years he practiced alone, hut 
afterward became associated with Dr. J. S. Carter. Sr., who died in 1852, 
and their extensive practice was continued by our subject for many years. 
In those early daws physicians made their calls on horse back and the 
I >octor being noted as an expert horseman rather enjoyed the lung rough 
trips over the country. Sometimes lie would hitch his horse in the woods 
at night rather than unduly tire his favorite animal, while he himself b •• <k 
ins own needed rest upon the ground. Strong and robust, a picture of 
perfect health, and blessed with a kindly disposition, his coming was 



622 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

hailed with delight by the sick who confided in his professional ability and 
by those of health to whom he imparted a share of his own good humor. 
He was temperate in all things and abstained from the use of intoxicants 
even in a day when custom almost demanded it. Indomitable courage 
and industry were the remarkable traits of his character and whatever he 
undertook he carried forward to successful completion, for he persevered 
in the work with all the energy of a strong nature. No storm, no event, 
in fact m ithing could ever prevent him from making his regular visits to 
his patients and no obstacle could successfully intervene between him and 
his professional duty. He was well known for his charity, aided the 
afflicted poor and would respond as readily to a call that came from the 
needy as from the wealthiest of his patrons. His noble generosity in his 
profession greatly endeared him to the poorer classes and made him warm 
friends who yet cherish his memory. A strongly defined sense oi honor 
and eld time courtesy were salient features of his character that made 
him a gentleman of high repute and he was also known as a faithful friend 
and entertaining companion. Exceptionally well preserved physically 
lie looked much younger than his years, until he met with an accident by 
which one of his limbs was broken. From that time he began to decline 
and on the ioth of March, 1875, passed quietly and peacefully away in his 
eighty-fifth year, his wife surviving him until the first of September, 
1879. when she was called to her final rest at the age of sixty years. 

The Doctor had long been a worthy member of the Episcopal church 
and the final sermon was delivered by the pastor of that denomination in 
I'rbana. while the interment was conducted by Knights Templar of the 
Fiaper Commandery, in the presence id* a large concourse of people, who 
had assembled to pay their last tribute of respect to their old and worthy 
friend and physician. In his death the medical profession of Champaign 
county lost one of its oldest ami most energetic members, he having been 
actively engaged in the duties of his profession for more than a half cen- 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 623 

tury. He was most kind and sympathic, diligent in his attention to the 
sick and suffering and was ever solicitous for their recovery, inspiring 
them with hope and confidence in his ability to effect a speedy cure. He 
enjoyed the respect and confidence of a large number of patrons and as a 
man and citizen was held in high regard by those whom he knew in all 
the walks of life. While in his native land he passed the various degrees 
of Masonry and at the age of twenty-six had attained the rank of Royal 
Arch Mason. Throughout his life he was an active and devoted adherent 
of the craft and held high rank in the order. Politically he was a stanch 
Democrat and several times was nominated by his party for Congress and 
for the state senate, but the opposition had an overwhelming strength in 
his district and it was never anticipated that election was possible. The 
only political office that he ever held was that of deputy United States 
".Marsha! in 1830 and in that year he took the census of Champaign 
county. Such in brief is the history of Dr. Adam Mosgrove, and the 
annals of the county would he incomplete without a record of his life, 
for he was one of the most important characters that figured in pro- 
fessional circles through many years. 



HARRY COOK, M. D. 

Champaign county is fortunate in retaining within its borders a 
high class of physicians and surgeons, who honor themselves, their noble 
profession and the community through their able services and sterling 
characters. Among the younger practitioners of the county is Dr. Cook, 
of Urbana, a representative of the homeopathic school of practice and 
known as a thoroughly skilled physician and surgeon and as a gentleman 
well worthy the esteem and respect in which he is so uniformly held in 
the community, lie C associated in practice with Dr. C. C. Craig, to 
whom individual reference is made on another page of this work, and to 



624 CEXTEXXIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

them is due the credit of establishing and maintaining that noble and 
finely equipped institution, the Urbana Sanitarium, whose value in the 
community can scarcely be overestimated. In the sketch of the life of 
Dr. Craig will be found more complete data concerning this institution, 
and to the same the reader is referred. 

Dr. Cook is a native of the city of Springfield. Ohio, where he was 
Born on the loth of February, 1873, the son of Dr. William A. and Anna 
(Bechtel 1 Cook. Dr. William A. Cook was likewise born in Springfield, 
and he passed his entire life in his native state, being one of the repre- 
sentative homeopathic physicians of this section of the Union. He died 
at Tippecanoe City, Miami county, in 1890, at the age of fifty-two years. 
He was- graduated in the Cleveland Homeopathic Medical College and 
was engaged in the practice of his profession in Cleveland, and Tippe- 
canoe City, Ohio, and for a time in the city of Muncie, Indiana. His 
widow now maintains her home in Fremont, Sandusky county. They 
became the parents of three children, of whom but one survives the fa- 
ther. When our subject was about six months of age his parents re- 
moved to Muncie, Indiana, where they resided about eight years and 
then removed to Cleveland, where Dr. Cook was engaged in the practice 
of his profession about seven years, after which he located in Tippecanoe 
City, where he passed the remainder of his life. Our subject received 
his early education in the public schools of the three cities mentioned 
and then began reading medicine under the effective and careful precep- 
torship of his iionored father. In 1890 he was matriculated in the Chi- 
cago Homeopathic Medical College, where he was graduated with the 
eted degree of Doctor of Medicine in the spring of 1894, his last year 
having been principally devoted to clinical work in the hospitals, so that 
he was thoroughly fortified for the practical duties of his profession 
when his degree was conferred. 

In May, [894, Dr. Look located 111 Urbana, and here lie soon became 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 625 

known as a thoroughly skilled and discriminating physician, the confi- 
dence begotten leading to his securing a practice of representative char- 
acter. In Tune, 1899, he entered into a professional alliance with Dr. 
Craig, and this association has ever since continued, while they also con- 
duct the sanitarium, which receives an excellent supporting patronage 
and which affords the best of accommodation and the most efficacious 
treatment for those suffering- from the various ills to which human flesh 
is heir. Dr. Cook is a member of the Miami Valley Homeopathic Medi- 
cal Society, in whose affairs he takes a deep interest. His political sup- 
port is given to the Republican party, and both he and his wife hold mem- 
bership in the Lutheran church, enjoying distinctive popularity in both 
church and social circles. On the 21st of October, 1S99, occurred the 
marriage of Dr. Cook to Miss Grace, daughter of Christian Emrick, one 
of Urbana's representative citizens, and they are prominent in the social 
activities of the community. 



■» » » 



DAVID TODD. 

David Todd was born in Dauphin county. Pennsylvania, in the year 
1790, being the son of James and Martha (Wilson) Todd, both of 
whom were likewise natives of the old Keystone state, with whose his- 
tory the respective families became identified in the colonial days. James 
and Martha Todd passed their entire lives in Pennsylvania, and there 
were born to them five sons and two daughters, namely: James, John, 
David, Samuel, Hugh. Mary and Martha. Samuel Todd came to Ohio 
m 1840, settling in Union township of Champaign county, where he died 
a short time afterward. I >; \ id Todd, the subject of this memoir, in com- 
pany with three others, first came to Ohio in 1812, on a prospecting trip, 
33 



626 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

the journey being made on horseback, and at that time visited Urbana, 
which, was a small hamlet in the virgin forests, and upon his return to 
his native county he married and there engaged in farming until icS4<>. 
when he came through with a team and wagon to Warren county. Ohio, 
in company with his family, his brother John having located in that sec- 
tion of the state in the year 1832. ( )ur subject and his family remained 
there a few months and in March, 1847, came to Champaign county and 
settled on Pretty Prairie, in Urbana township, where he passed the re- 
mainder of his useful and honorable life, engaged in agricultural pur- 
suits, in which he was exceptionally successful. He developed a fine 
farm, making the best of improvements upon the same, and at the time 
of his demise it was recognized as one of the most valuable farm prop- 
erties in this section of the state, giving evidence of the scrupulous care 
and attention bestowed by its progressive and able owner. In politics 
.Mr. Todd was originally an oid-line Whig, but upon the organization of 
the Republican party he transferred his allegiance, to this organization, 
winch he believed had stronger claims upon popular support, and there- 
after he was an ardent advocate of its principles, though he never sought 
official preferment or consented to serve in any political position. His 
religious faith was that of the Presbyterian church, and his life, in all its 
relations, was lived in harmony therewith. David Todd entered into 
eternal rest in the year 1868, in the fullness of years and honored for his 
sterling integrity of character and his kindly nature, which had endeared 
him to a wide circle of friends. He married Sarah McCormick, wdio was 
horn in 171)5. in Dauphin county. Pennsylvania, the daughter of Henry 
and Jane | Mitchell) McCormick. and she passed away March 23, [884, 
having been a consistent and devoted member of the Presbyterian church. 
The children of this union were twelve in number, namely: James Wil- 
son, who died a; the age of twenty-one years; Jane McCormick, de- 
ceased; Mary and Eliza, both deceased; Henry McCormick, deceased; 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 627 

David Newton, who died at the age of five years; Thomas Mitchell, to 
whom individual reference is made in appending paragraphs; John K.. 
of Urbana township; Sarah Martha, deceased; Rebecca Nancy, de- 
ceased; and James Samuel, of Areata. Humboldt county. California. 

Thomas Mitchell Todd was born in Dauphin county. Pennsylvania, 
on the 17th of April, 1827, the son of David and Sarah ( McCormick) 
Todd, mentioned above, and he received his early educational discipline 
in the common schools of his native county, supplementing this by a 
course of study in a local academy, so that his educational advantages 
were up to the normal standard of the locality and period. He was 
nearly twenty years of age when the family came to Ohio, and here he 
put his scholastic acquirements to practical test by teaching school dur- 
ing one winter in Warren county and one in Champaign county, being 
successful in his pedagogic efforts. He remained at the old homestead 
farm until his marriage, in 1857. when he settled on another farm in the 
same township and there continued successfully engaged in agricultural 
pursuits until i8q6, — a period of nearly forty years, within which he 
had developed one of the fine farm properties of this locality and attain- 
ing a high degree of prosperity. His landed estate comprises two farms, 
whose aggregate area is three hundred and thirty-seven acres, in April 
of the year last mentioned, Mr. Todd removed to the city of Urbana, 
where he has since lived retired from active pursuits, having an attractive 
home and enjoying that quiet repose which is the fitting reward for 
years of active and well directed endeavor. 

Mr. Todd has ever been a stalwart supporter of the Republican 
party, but has never aspired to the honors or emoluments of public office, 
though his position in the community was such that he was naturally 
called upon to serve in various minor offices, in which line he gave able 
and discriminating attention to the duties involved. For fifteen years 
he was a member of the board of directors of the county infirmary, 



628 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

sparing no pains to promote the well-being of this institution. He is a 
stockholder in the Champaign National Bank, of Urbana, and a member 
of its directorate. Both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian 
church and have for many years been active and influential workers in 
the same. 

On the 12th of March, 1857, Mr. Todd was united in marriage to 
Miss Mary M. Rawlings, who was born in Urbana township, this county, 
on Christmas day, 1831, the daughter of James and Susannah I. 1 Mc- 
Roberts) Rawlings, the former of whom was one of the pioneers of the 
county. Mr. and Mrs. Todd became the parents of seven children, con- 
cerning whom we enter brief record, as follows: Susannah Irby is de- 
ceased; David Solon is a resident of Columbus, Ohio; James Rawlings is 
a successful farmer of Urbana township; Alma remains at the parental 
home; Henry William is deceased; Thomas Rawlings conducts the old 
homestead farm; and Pearl C, who for nine years has held a responsible 
position in the Champaign National Bank. 



JOSEPH C. BRAND. 

Joseph C. Brand was born in Bourbon county. Kentucky, on the 8th' 
of January, 1810, the family having been founded in America by his 
grandfather, Dr. James Brand, who was a native of Scotland and a man 
of distinguished professional ami intellectual ability. Dr. Brand was 
graduated in the Edinburgh Medical University about 175(1. and a num- 
ber of years later he crossed the Atlantic to America and took up his 
abode in Frederick City, Maryland, where he was successfully engaged 
in the practice of his profession for many years. He finally removed 
thence to Ringgold Manor, that state, and later took up his residence- 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 629 

in Augusta county, Virginia, where he passed the residue of his long and 
useful life, living to attain the patriarchal age of ninety-six years and 
having reared a family of several children. 

Thomas Brand, son of Dr. James Brand and father ■ if the ■ me vvh *e 
name initiates this sketch, was born in the state of Maryland, whence 
he accompanied his parents on their removal to Virginia, while in 1808 
he located in Bourbon county. Kentucky, becoming one ot the early set- 
tlers of that locality. There was solemnized his marriage to Miss 
Fannv Carter, who likewise was born in Maryland, and they became the 
parents of eight children, one of whom was Joseph C, b whom this 
mem oir is dedicated. Joseph C. Brand was reared to maturity in Ins 
na tive county, receiving excellent educational advantages for the locality 
an( l peri, d and becoming a successful teacher in the schools of Kentucky. 
I„ l83 o he came to Champaign county, Ohio, as one of us pioneers, locat- 
ing in Urban*, winch was then a small village, where he became asso- 
rted with his uncle. Dr. Joseph S. Carter, in the conducting of a drug 
store. Two years later he engaged in the mercantile business at Me- 
chanicsburg, this county, his associate in the enterprise being Dr. Obed 
Horr and in that village he continued to make Ins home until rS 3 7, when 
he purchased^ farm near Buck (or Lagonda) creek, in Union township, 
where he devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits until 185 1, when 
he again became a resident of Urbana, which continued to be hi. home 
thereafter until the close of his signally useful and honorable hie. 

In the year 1832 Joseph C. Brand was united in marriage to Lavinia 
Talbott of Weston. West Virginia, and they became the parents of nine 
children, namely: Thomas T. ; Joseph C. Jr.: William A.: Margaret 
Belle, the wife of William R. Ross, of Urbana: Mary, who became the 
wife of Rev. Edward D. Whitlock; John F. ; Ella, who is the wife of 
Charles A. Ross, of Urbana; and Ellen and lova, who died in young 
womanhood. 



630 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

In his political views Joseph C. Brand was a stanch Republican from 
the time of the organization of the party, and lie was prominent in the 
work and councils of the same, while he was called upon to serve in 
offices of public trust and responsibility. He did efficient service as clerk 
of the court of common pleas and also of the district court, but still higher 
official preferment and honors awaited him, for be was elected to repre- 
sent both bis district and county in the state legislature. Animated by 
the deepest patriotism, he naturalv gave his earnest support to the Union 
when its integrity was jeopardized by armed rebellion, and he it was w ho 
obtained the order for the raising of the gallant Sixty-sixth Regiment of 
Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which was recruited under his personal direc- 
tion, while be served as quartermaster from 1861 until 1864, in which 
latter year be received from President Lincoln promotion to the respon- 
sible office of captain and commissary of subsistance of volunteers, acting 
in that capacity until the close of the war, while his military service thus 
covered a period of three years and two months. For distinguished 
service during the war he was brevetted major. During General Grant's 
administration as president of the United States Major Brand served as 
consul at Nuremberg. Bavaria, being in tenure of this distinguished office 
for a period of nearly three years. For three terms he was mayor of 
the city of Urbana, giving a notably able administration of municipal 
affairs, and through the early and middle portion of the past century per- 
haps no other citizen did more for the improvement, progress and sub- 
stantial upbuilding of the city than did Major Brand. He and bis wife 
were members of the Methodist Episcopal church ami their lives were 
ever in harmony with the faith to which they thus held. Major [band 
was summoned to bis reward on the 30th of December. [897. and thus 
passed away one who had ever been honored and esteemed for his sterling 
character. hi- sincerity and kindliness, hi- fidelity to duty and bis marked 
abilitv. His widow survives him and i- now ninety years oi age. 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 651 

Major Thomas '1". Brand.— M a son of the honored subject of the 
preceding memoir, as one who rendered distinguished service as a leal 
and loyal sun of the republic during the war of the Rebellion and as an 
hunnred and representative citizen of Champaign county, it is significantly 
consistent that we here incorporate a brief review of the life record oi 
Major Thomas T. Brand, who is a native son of the county and who still 
retains his home in the city of Urhana. 

Th< mas T. Brand was horn in Mechanicsburg, Champaign county, 
Ohio, on the 28th of January, 1835, being' a son of Joseph C. and Lavinia 
(Talbott) Brand, of whom due mention lias been made in preceding- 
paragraphs. He was reared in this county and here received his early 
educational training in the public schools. The thundering of Rebel guns 
against the ramparts of old Fort Sumter amused a vigorous and re- 
sponsive protest in his heart, and such was his patriotism that he was 
among the first to tender iiis services in defense of the integrity of the 
Union. On the 16th of April. 1861, ere yet the smoke had fairly cleared 
away from the stanch old fortress where the civil conflict was inaugurated, 
he enlisted as a private in Company K, Second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, 
of which he was forthwith elected first lieutenant, his commission to date 
from April 17, 1861. The organization of the regiment was effected in 
the city of Columbus, the enlistment being for a term of three months. 
On the 19th of April the command left the state and proceeded to the 
national capital. Upon arriving at Lancaster, Pennsylvania, it was 
formally mustered into the service on the 29th of the same mouth, and it 
arrived in the city of Washington on the 2d of Maw where it was as- 
signed to Schenck's brigade, Tyler's division of McDowell's arm) of 
northeastern Virginia. The regiment remained on duty in defense of the 
federal capital until June, and on the 22d of that month Lieutenanl Brand 
resigned his position to accept an appointment in the regular army, ac- 
cepting on that date the office of first lieutenant in the Eighteenth Regi- 



632 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

merit of United States Infantry. On the nth of September, 1863. he 
was promoted to the office of captain, and on the 13th of March, 18(35, 
in recognition of gallant and meritorious service in the hat-ties of Stone 
River and Chickamauga,he was honored with the brevet rank of major. 
From Jane until December, 1861, Major Brand was engaged in recruit- 
ing service for the Eighteenth United States Infantry, in which he held 
the office of first lieutenant, as has already been noted, and in the month 
of December he joined his regiment in Ohio's capital city, whence the 
command moved onward into Kentucky, where, in January, 1862, it was 
assigned to the Third Brigade .if the Army of the Ohio, and was 
thus a portion of the Third Army Corps until September of the 
same year. In November the regiment became a portion of the 
Fourth Biigade. First (center) Division of the Fourteenth Army Corps, 
1 if the Army of the Cumberland, while in January of the foHowing year 
it was assigned to the Third Brigade. In February, 1862, the command 
moved mi to Nashville and thence marched to Savannah. Tennessee, to 
reinforce the Army of the Tennessee. From March 20th until April 7th 
they were mi the advance to Corinth. Mississippi, taking part in the siege 
at that point, from April 17th to May 30th, and in the subsequent pur- 
suit 'ii the enemy to Booneville. From that point the command marched 
to Tuscumbia, Alabama, where it arrived mi the 22(1 of June, and there it 
remained on duty until the 27th of July; thereafter it was stationed at 
Decherd, Tennessee, until August 21st, whence it proceeded to Louis- 
ville, Kentucky, in the command of General Buell, in pursuit of Bragg - . 
On the 8th of October the regiment took part in the battle of Perryville, 
that state, thence marched to Nashville, Tennessee, where it was mi duty 
until December 26. It then advanced to Murfreesboro, and mi the 30th 
and 31st of the month took a very important part in the battle of Stone 
River, the engagement continuing also to' the 3d of January, 1803. 
1 hereafter the regiment was mi duty at Murfreesboro until Tune, and on 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 633 

23d of that month began its service in connection with the Tullahoma or 
middle 1 ennessee campaign, being in action at J loovers ( lap, 1 n Juno 25- 

6, and taking- part in the occupation of Tullahoma, on July 1. There- 
alter the command was prominently concerned in the Chattanooga cam- 
paign and participated in the ever memorable battle of Chickama 
September 19-20. In the first day's battle at this point Major Brand 
received a severe wound in his left arm. incapacitating him for active 
service, and thereafter he was assigned to mustering and disbursing duty 
at Madison, Wisconsin, where he remained until February. 1864. after 
u Inch he was identified with similar service in the city 1 if O Jumbus, Ohio, 
until December. 1 865, the war having in the meantime closed. The Major 
still continued in the military department of the government service, how- 
ever, since he was chief mustering and disbursing officer of Indiana, at 
Indianapolis. Indiana, thereafter until June 1. 1867, and from that time 
forward until December 1. 1868, he held the same office in Ohio and West 
Virginia. His health had become impaired as the result of the wounds 
received during the war. and this led to his retirement from active service 
at the front on the 31st of December, 1864. His record was one of dis- 
tinction and he was relieved from duty on the 1st of December. 1868, 
after which he returned to his home in Champaign county. He has ever 
since been identified with the business interests of Urbana, having made 
many real-estate and other capitalistic investments in the city and county 
and having been very successful in this line, his interests receiving his 
pei si 'iial attention and supervision. He is a director of the National Bank 
<i Urbana, also director of the Independent Telephone Company, of the 
same city, and is connected with other business interests of Urbana and 
vicinity. Major Brand is one of the In 'in ired members of the Grand Army 
of the Republic, holding membership in W. A. Brand Post, in Urbana, and 
the ( >hio Commandery of the Loyal Legion of the United State-. 

1 i'i the 28th of December, [864, Major Brand was united in marriage 



634 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

to Miss Eliza C. Warnock, who was born in this county, the daughter of 
Rev. David Warnock, and they are the parents of two sons. — Frank W. 
and Thomas T., Jr. The Major is a stalwart Republican in his political 
proclivities, has ever taken a deep interest in all that conserves the prog- 
ress and material prosperity of his home city and count}', and is known is 
one of the representative citizens of this locality, where practically his 
entire life has been passed and where he is held in marked confidence and 
esteem. 

Fraxk W. Brand, M. I)., now a prominent specialist in diseases of 
the eye. ear. nose and throat at Urbana. was born in this city, on the 2d 
of June. 1866, and acquired his preliminary education in the public 
schools, completing- a course in the high school and being graduated as a 
member of the class of 1883. He then passed a year in the old and cele- 
brated institution, Phillips Academy, at Andover, Massachusetts, and 
later passed two years as a student in the Urbana University, pursuing a 
scientific course. Determining to make the practice of medicine his vo- 
cation in life, he was matriculated in the Cleveland Medical College, 
where be completed a thorough course, being graduated as a member of 
the class of 1880, and receiving his degree of Doctor of Medicine. He be- 
gan the active practice of his profession in Beatrice, Nebraska, where he 
remained for eight years, and afterward completed a post-graduate course 
in the Chicago Eye, Car, Nose, Throat and other Colleges, and then lo- 
cated 'ii Urbana, where he has since been successfully engaged in prac- 
tice, lie is a physician of superior ability and comprehensive learning, 
an'' iiis skill has secured to him a liberal patronage of representative order. 
He is thoroughly devoted to the work of his profession, i^ a close and con- 
stant student ami stands high among his confreres in the profession, as 
well as i'; social circles, his personality being such as to gain to him 
marked popularity. Fraternally the Doctor has attained high prestige in 
e dasonii order, in which lie has advanced to the thirty-second degree 



CEXTEXXIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. "35 

of the Scottish rite, having become a member of the consist, .ry in < >maha, 
Neb-aska while he is also identified with the temple of the Mystic Shrine 
a, Lincoln, that state. His York-rite affiliations are with the various 
bodies in Urbana. On the 6th of October, 1888, Dr. Brand was united 
in marriage to Miss Lilian Garnett., of Urbana. 

Thom vs T. Brand, Jr., the second son of Major Thomas 1 . Brand, 
,s Hkew.se a native of the city of Urbana, where he was horn on the istof 
February. 1875. After having duly profited by the advantages afforded 
in the public schools of tins city he entered the Ohio Wesleyan I niver- 
sity at Delaware, where he continued Ins educational work for two yeais 
He 'the,: returned to Urbana and began the study of dentistry, and 
finally completed Ins preparation for his chosen vocation by entering the 
Indiana Dental College at Indianapolis, .here he was graduated as a 
member of the class of 1896. Like his brother, he has attained prom- 
inence and. success in his chosen field of endeavor, and he now has a large 
and remunerative practice in his native city. Politically he is a Repub- 
lican and is a member of the First Methodist Episcopal church, while fra- 
ternally he is identified with the lodge, chapter, council and commandery 
, ,f the Masonic order. In 1809 he was united in marriage to Miss Bessie 

Marmon, of Urbana. 

For almost three-fourths of a century the name of Brand has been 

identified with the history of Urbana and it has ever st 1 as an exponent 

of honor and usefulness, the record, attaching to the name being such as 
to reflect credit not only upon the family but also the city and county. 

•» » ♦• 

THOMAS E. HUNTER. 

\ leading agriculturist and honored citizen of Champaign county is 

, Thomas E. Hunter, who has spent his entire life in this county. 

He was born on the farm on which he now resides, October 23, 1848. 



•636 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

His paternal grandfather, Nathaniel Hunter, was a native of the Green 
Isle of Erin, but in an early day he crossed the briny deep to America and 
took up his abode in Virginia. In 1811, however, he left his southern 
home for Ohio, becoming one of the early pioneers of Champaign county. 
His son Thomas, the father of our subject, was born in Greenbrier 
county, Virginia, in 1709, and when twelve years of age he accompanied 
his father on his removal to the Buckeye state. After his marriage he 
took up his abode in Wayne township. He was a life-long farmer, a 
\\ hig and Republican in his political views and was a worthy member 
of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he lung served as a trustee 
and steward. In Champaign county he was united in marriage to a Miss 
Evans, and they became the parents of two sons, but both died when 
young. For his second wife he chose Nancy Johnson, who was born in 
Guernsey county, but in early life she came wtih her parents to Cham- 
paign county. Her death occurred when she had readied the age of 
seventy-four years. 

( )i the seven children born unto his parents Thomas E. Hunter, of 
this review, was the eldest son and fifth child in order of birth, and he 
was reared to mature years on the farm on which he now resides. He 
received his elementary education in the district schools of Wayne town- 
ship and afterward entered the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, 
where lie continued his studies for two years. After his marriage he 
brought his bride to the old Hunter homestead, where he has ever since 
engaged in farming and stock-raising. Since attaining to years of matur- 
ity he has given an unwavering support to the principles of the Repub- 
lican party, and for two years, from 1891 until 1893, he served as a jus- 
tice of the peace. Later, to fill out an unexpired term, he was elected to 
represent his district in the Seventieth General Assembly, and in the fol- 
lowing year, in [895, he was re-elected to that important position. Since 
retiring from the legislature he has served as a justice of the peace. 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 637 

The marriage of Mr. Hunter was celebrated in 1873, when Miss 
Emma Robinson became his wife. She was born in Highland county, 
Ohio, August I, 1853, a daughter of the Rev. J. M. and Mary M. I Kettle- 
man) Robinson. The former was a prominent minister in the Methodist 
Episcopal church, and for two years he labored in what is now known as 
the Grace Methodist Episcopal church at Urbana. His death occurred in 
1 88 }, when he had reached the age of fifty-nine years, but he is still sur- 
vived by his wife. The family is a prominent one in this locality, and its 
members are noted for their longevity, the maternal grandfather of Mrs. 
Hunter having reached the age of ninety-seven years, and her paternal 
grandfather was ninety-four years old at the time of his death. One 
daughter, Mabel, has come to brighten and bless the home of our subject 
and wife. Mr. Hunter is identified with the Masonic fraternity, holding 
membership in the blue lodge and chapter at North Lewisburg and in the 
council and commandery at Urbana, and he is also a member of the 
junior Order of the United American Mechanics. Both be and his wife 
are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Mingo, in which he 
has long served as a trustee and steward and has been superintendent of 
the Sundav-school. 



JOHN F. BRAND. 

The inevitable law of destiny accords to tireless and well directed 
energy a successful career, and thi> fact has ample verification in the case 
f the subject of this review. Mr. Brand, who is recognized as distinc- 
tively one of the representative business men and public-spirited citizens 
of the progressive city of Urbana. and who has gained the grateful pres- 
tige of worthy succe-s in material affairs through his ability and well 
directed effort, has promoted public good through private enterprise and 
has proved himself fully alive to those higher duties which represent the 



■ 1 



638 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

most valuable citizenship in any locality and at any period. The advan- 
tages Hi Urbana as a wholesaling and jobbing center are manifest, and of 
this condition our subject was one of the first to show appreciation in a 
practical way, and lie is now vice-president of the \\ . H. Marvin Com- 
pany, with which he has been identified from the time of its inception, 
while he has gained a high reputation in the business circles of his native 
c< unity, having passed the greater portion of his life in the city where he 
now maintains his home, and thus being doubly eligible for representation 
in a work of this nature. 

[iilm F. Brand was born in Union township. Champaign county, 
( )hio, on the 18th of June, 1848, being the son of Major Joseph C. and 
Lavinia (Talbott) Brand, the former of whom came to Champaign 
county from Kentucky in 1830 and here passed the remainder of his life 
being one of the honored pioneers of the county. A sketch of his life 
appears on other pages of this volume, and to the same we refer the reader 
for detailed information as to the genealogy and family history of (.in- 
subject. When John F. Brand was but three years of age his parents re- 
moved from the farm to Urbana, and in the public schools of this place 
he secured his early scholastic discipline, supplementing the same by a 
course of study in the Urbana University. After leaving school Air. 
Brand became assistant civil engineer on the construction of the Atlantic 
& Great Western Railroad, now known as the Erie Railroad, and w as thus 
engaged for a period of one year. Early in [864 be became a clerk in the 
subsistence department of the United States army, serving before Atlanta 
and Richmond and accompanying the army of the James 1.1 Appomattox. 
lie was on duty at Richmond until July, 1805. when be resigned his posi- 
tion, a few months after the surrender of General Lee, which marked the 
practical closing of the war of the Rebellion. From Virginia .Mr. Brand 
returned to Urbana, where for a short time he was employed as a clerk in 
the dry goods establishment of Ross & Hitt. Thereafter be became asso- 
ciated with his father and elder brother, Joseph ( .. Jr., in the conducting 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 639 

of a grocery business. In i86g he became a compositor in the offr 1 
the Citizen and Gazette, of which he eventually became the manager, hav- 
ing ci nitn .1 1 it the enterprise at the lime 1 if it- sale t< > Charles T. Jamie- in, 
in 1870- After this decade of new-paper work Mr. Brand associated 
himself in the grocery business with i). A. Fulwider, withdrawing from 
the firm two years later and engaging in the same line of business at 
Bellefontaine, where he remained until [884, when he once more took up 
his abode in Urbana. In 1886 he entered into partnership with W. II. 
Marvin and they established a wholesale grocery house in Urbana. the 
enterprise being conducted with signal discrimination and ability and 
graduall) extending its scope of operations until it became expedient to 
organize a stock company, this being accomplished in 1895, under the 
title of the W. H. Marvin Company, the business being duly incorporated 
and Mr. Brand becoming vice-president of the concern, in which capacity 
lie has since continued. He has charge of the salesmen and of the buying 
of stock, and his thorough knowledge of all details and values, together 
with his executive ability, has made him a forceful factor in the building- 
up of the large and satisfactory business of this important company, 
which is now engaged in packing grocers' specialties for sale to jobbers. 
The business covers almost the entire territory of the United States. 
Progressive in his attitude, of broad views and genuine public spirit, he 
has made his influence definitely felt in the industrial life of this section, 
and has important local interests aside from that mentioned, being ol the 
directorate of the "Western Mutual lore Insurance Company, the Urbana 
I elephone Company and the Urbana Publishing Company. Though tak- 
ing no active part in affairs of a political nature. Mr. Brand has not been 
unmindful of the duties of citizenship and has given a stanch support to 
the Republican party and its principles. He is a member of Grace 
Methodist Episcopal church, in which he lias been an officer for more than 
a - years. Fraternally he is identified with Harmony Lodge, No. 

8. F. & A. M.; Urbana Chapter, Xo. 39. R. A. M.. and Raper Com- 



4 o CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

mandery No. 19, Knights Templar, being past master of his lodge and 
Eminent Commander of his commandery, and taking deep intere-t in this 
ancient and honored fraternal organization. 

On the 1st of December, 1870, Air. Brand was united in marriage to 
Miss Fannie Patrick, daughter of Evan B. Patrick, of Urbana. and they 
have four children: Charles, who is connected with the house of which 
his father is vice-president; and Elizabeth, Ella and Joseph E\ an. who re- 
main at the parental home, which is a center of gracious and refined 
hospitality. 

Charles Brand, born in Urbana, Ohio, on the 1st of November, 1871, 
is a son of John F. and Fannie Brand. He was educated in the Urbana 
public schools and in the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware. Early 
manifesting- a business capacity, he managed a large fruit business of his 
own during the summer months for three years prior to his graduation in 
the high school. Upon leaving the university at Delaware he was en- 
gaged for a time in the grocery business at Richmond, ( >hio, and later was 
connected with the \Y. H. Marvin Company as a traveling salesman, in 
which capacity he proved eminently successful. He is still connected with 
that house, and is also actively engaged in farming, owning and profit- 
ably conducting a farm of two hundred and thirty-five acres. On the 24th 
of October, 181)4, he was united in marriage to Miss Louise J. Vance, a 
daughter 1 >f Major A. F. Vance. Jr., and they are most happily established 
in a home in Scioto street in Urbana. 



CHRISTIAN SHANELY. 

Among the early settlers and representative farmers of Harrison 
township, and a veteran of the great Civil war, is Christian Shanely, who 
was born in the southeastern pari of [ndiana, about thirty miles west 



& 



^ 




CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 643 

of Cincinnati, November 5. 1826, the third sen and fifth child of John 
and Catherine (Haisch) Shanely, whose history will be found in the 
sketch df their eldest son. Jacob Shanley, in this volume. When a small 
boy our subject was taken by his parents to Shelby county, Ohio, and a 
short time afterward the family came t< 1 Champaign county. He received 
Ins education in the old-time log school houses of the locality, with their 
greased paper windows and slab seats and desks. After putting aside 
his text-books he assisted his father in the work of the home farm until 
1S50, when he made the journey to the Golden state, going direct to 
Sacramento City, and ah. nit six months were spent on the road from St. 
|oe across the plains with an ox team. After seven months spent on the 
Pacific slope as a miner he returned by the water route to Xew "^ ork City, 
whence he went to Albany and Buffalo and finally reached his old home 
in Champaign count}-, where he resumed the quiet pursuits oi the farm. 
After his marriage he located on a farm in Adams township, where he 
was engaged in general farming and stock-raising until the Civil war 
prompted his enlistment in the Union cause. In [864 he became a mem- 
ber of Company H. One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Ohio Volunteer 
Infantry, entering the ranks as a private, but was soon afterward pro- 
moted to the position oi sergeant, and for four months he served in the 
National ( iuards, under Colonel Armstrong. They went to Cumberland, 
Missouri, thence to VVashingti m, thence to Petersburg and remained there 
until discharged in the last part of August. 

Returning to his home with a creditable military record, Air. Si; 
again took up the quiet duties of a farm life, and since that time has 
given his undivided attention to the work of the fields. About 1890 
he took up in's abode in Harrison township, where he now owns three 
hundred acres of land, all of which he has placed under a fine state 
of cultivation, and on this valuable homestead he has erected a com- 
modious and attractive residence. In addition to the farm which he 
34 



644 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

owns he has also given two hundred and forty acres to his sons and 
son-in-law. 

In 1853 Mr. Shanely was united in marriage to Susanna S. Calland, 
a daughter of William and Mary (Armstrong) Calland, who came from 
Scotland to America in 181 7, and they became prominent early settlers 
of Adams township. Champaign county. In that locality Mrs. Shanely 
was reared and educated, being the youngest in a family of nine chil- 
dren, four sons and five daughters. Mr. and Mrs. Shanely became the 
parents of three children, — Mary C, the wife of L. A. Kumler; John 
\\\. who married Miss Lucy Alice Pierce: and Edwin, who married 
Anna Sager. The loving wife and mother was called to her final rest 
1:1 [879, and she was buried at Spring Hill cemetery. In politics Mr. 
Shanely is a Republican, he having cast his first presidential vote for 
Lincoln in i860, and he has continued to vote that ticket at every presiden- 
tial election since. He is a prominent and worthy member of the United 
Brethren church, has always clung to whatever is of "good repute," 
and his name is a synonym for all thai is honorable and straightforward. 



JACOB SHANLEY. 

Many \ears have passed since this gentleman arrived in Champaign 
county, and he is justly numbered among her honored pioneers and lead- 
ing citizens. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, April 27. [822, a son 
of John and Catherine (Haisch) Shan-ley, natives of Wittenberg, Ger- 
main-. The father was a soldier under Napoleon Bonaparte and was with 
him on bis march to Moscow. Out of the twenty who enlisted with him 
from the same town he is the only one who returned from the fata! 
march. In 1816 they left their little home across the sea and came to 
America, locating in Cincinnati, Ohio, and on their arrival thev were in 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 645 

debt to the amount of sixty dollars. For the following five years the 
father worked as a laborer in Cincinnati, after which he removed to Indi- 
ana, but two years later came again to this state, and from that time 
until 1830 farmed on rented land near the town of Miami. In that year 
they took up their abode on a rented farm in Shelby county, but a short 
time afterward came to Adams township, Champaign county, where Air. 
Shanlev had previously purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, 
and here they spent the remainder of their lives, the father passing away 
in his sixty-seventh year, while the mother reached the good old age of 
seventy-nine years, both passing away in the faith of the United Brethren 
church, of which they were worthy and active members. The church in 
which they worshipped was built on their land. A little log cabin first 
served as their meeting place, but this was later replaced by a more pre- 
tentious frame structure, and the latter was succeeded by a brick church, 
all built on the same site. This worthy couple became the parents of 
seven children, five sons and two daughters, namely: Catherine, de- 
ceased; Sophia, also deceased: Jacob, of this review; John, a resident of 
Adams township. Champaign county; Christian, who makes his home 
in both Adams and Harrison townships; David, of the former place; and 
Isaac, also of Adams township. Four of the sons were loyal defenders 
of the Union cause during the war of the Rebellion, and as a partial com- 
pensation for the trials which they were called upon to undergo in that 
terrible struggle they are now drawing pensions. 

Jacob Shanlev. of this review, was about ten years of age when he 
was brought by his parents to Champaign county, and in a primitive 
log school house in this neighborhood he received his early mental train- 
ing. The teachers at that time were paid the munificent sum of ten dol- 
lars a month,. In 1840. 111 company with a friend, he drove to the present 
site of Dubuque, Iowa, but at that time this now flourishing city had not 
been organized, and during the following summer he was there employed 



646 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

at farm labor. Returning thence to his home in Champaign county, he 
spent the winter in attending the district school, and in the spring made 
the journey to Iowa, where he remained but a few months and then re- 
turned to his Ohio home. In 1840, he started on the long and arduous 
i rip to the Golden state, the journey being made with ox teams, and on 
his arrival at Salt L.ake City a halt was made of one week. \\ hile there 
lie had the pleasure of hearing Brigham Young preach, and als 1 saw all 
of his wives in a group, he having been invited to the July celebration, 
the second anniversary of the arrival of Brigham Young in Salt Lake 
City. Continuing his journey to the 'Pacific coast, he mined for a time 
on the Yuba river, and after two years spent in California he returned by 
the water route to New York City. He crossed the isthmus of Panama 
on foot. From New York City he made his way to Pittsburg and thence 
in Philadelphia, where he disposed of his gold dusl for three thousand 
dolln -. Resuming his journey to the Buckeye state, he remained for a 
time in Cincinnati and Piqua, and on his return to Champaign county 
he purchased the farm on which he now resides, which at that time eon- 
sisted nf one hundred and twenty-five acres. In addition to his valuable 
homestead Mr. Shanley also owns two farms in Shelby county, om 
one hundred and seven acres ami the other of one hundred and sixty-five 
acres, thus making his landed possessions to consist ol nine hundred acres. 
On the 24th of February, 1853, Mr. Shanley was united in marriage 

Caroline Dormire, who was born in France Decembei 20, [833, a 

daughter of Christian and Magdalena ( Baron) Dormire, also natives of 

that country. They came to America about 18 [1 . and after their arrival 

i-w York they made their way to Shelby ci unty, < >hio. They, too, 

veiw poor when they arrived in 01 ere twenty dollars 

in debt. They succeeded in borrowing seventy dollars, and with this 

ount purchased twenty acre- of land in Shelb} county. They were 
the p . children, but two of the number died in infancy and 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 647 

the remaining four accompanied them on their journey to America. The 
mother was called to her final rest at the age of seventy-four years, but 
the father survived until his eighty-first year. Mrs. Shanley is their third 
child in order of birth and is the oldest now living, her brothers and 
sisters being: Margaret, the wife of Lewis Bailar, who resides in Glen- 
wood Springs, Colorado; John, of Portland. Indiana; and David, of 
Shelby county, Ohio. Mrs. Shanley was about seven years of age when 
she came with her parents to America and she was reared in Shelby 
county, this state, receiving her education in its district schools. Two 
children have blessed the marriage of our subject and wife, — David, who 
was born in 1854, and is still at home; and Laura. E., the wife of Emer- 
son E. ( '.ard, of Clark county. He is a prominent grain dealer near 1 re- 
mont Citv, where he also owns an elevator and is engaged in the coal, 
nil, lumber and hardware business. They have two children. — Frank J. 
and Mary C. At the present time Mr. and Mrs. Shanley are residing 
on their old homestead in Adams township and are one of the oldest 
couples in the township. They are active members and liberal sup- 
porters of the United Brethren church, and Mr. Shanley is a lifelong 
Democrat, although he has been the only one of his father's family to 
vote that ticket. Highly esteemed by all who know them, the uniform 
regard in which they are held is a tribute to upright lives, — well worthy 

of emulation. 

■» » » 

JOHX SHANLEY. 

This honored veteran of the Civil war, who has now reached the 
seventy-eighth milestone on the journey of lite, is one of the honored 
pioneers of Champaign county. He was lorn in the southeastern part of 
Indiana, near Cincinnati. August 4. 1824. aiM is the second s«m and 



648 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

fourth child of John and Catherine (Haisch) Shanley, whose history will 
be found in the sketch of Jacob' Shanley in this volume. Our subject 
was about mx years of age when ho was brought by his parents to Adams 
township, Champaign county, and the educational advantages which he 
enjoyed in Iris youth were received in its public schools. He remained 
at home until his marriage, and soon afterward, in December. 1861, he 
offered his services in defense of the Union cause, entering G mpany I, 
Forty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in which he served for three years. 
During his military career he participated in eleven of the important bat- 
tles of the war. including those of Middle Creek. Vicksburg. Grand Guli 
Thompson's Hill, Cumberland Cap and Tain's Gap. During the en- 
gagement at Vicksburg he was struck in the cheek by a spent ball. In 
[864 he received his discharge, and with an honorable military record 
he returned to his home. 

Previous to entering the army Mr. Shanley had followed the wagon- 
making business, and after Ins return home he resumed that occupation, 
. but soon afterward sold out ami purchased the farm which he now owns. 
His landed possessions now consist of one hundred and sixty acres of 
well improved and productive land, where he is engaged in general farm- 
ing and stock-raising. From a very early period he has been promi- 
nently identified with the history of this section of the state. Wild was 
the region into which he came when a boy of six years; its forests stood 
in their primeval strength, and the prairie land was still unbroken, and 
throughout the years which have since come and gone he has nobly borne 
his share in its progress and upbuilding. Throughout the years of his 
manhood he has given an unwavering support to the principles of the 
Republican party, and religiously he is a member of the United Brethren 
church. 

In [86] Mr. Shanley was united in marriage to latima Henry, who 
was born and reared in Shelby county, ' )hio, and is a daughter of Rich- 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 649 

ard and Barbara Henry, pr< irninent early settlers of Shelby ci mm v. Fi iur 
children have blessed this union, namely: R. Mark, who is engaged in 
the oil business at Jennings, Louisiana; David D., a grain dealer of 
Mendon, Ohio; Lola, the wife of George Wirick, of Adams township. 
Champaign county, and Estella, the wife of Harvey Princehouse, who 
follows the teacher's profession in Shelby county. Mr. and Mr-. Shan- 
ley also have four grandchildren,— Laura. Ethel and R. Emmitt Wirick 
and [essie Princehouse. The family are among the best known citizens 
of Champaign county, and their friends are legion. 



DAVID SHANELY. 

In an enumeration of the prominent and successful farmers oi 
Champaign county a place of due relative priority must be given to the 
gentleman whose name appears above and who is one of the sterling 
citizens of the county, where he has passed his long and useful life, being 
a representative of one of the It m< .reel pioneer families of the county. 1 le 
has a well improved and valuable farm, which is located on section 2, 
Adams township, and he has here devoted his attention to the great art 
of husbandry from his childhood days, when he began to assist in the 
work of clearing and cultivating the paternal homestead. 

Mr. Shanely was born in Adams township on the 20th of June, 
1830, being a son of John and Catherine (HaisCh) Shanely. to whom 
more specific reference is made in the sketch of our subject'- eldest 
brother. Jacob Shanelv, on another page of this work, so that a recapitula- 
tion is not demanded at this point. ■ Our subject was reared on the old 
homestead and there continued to devote his attention to its work until 
his marriage, in i860, when he began operations in the same line on his 



650 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

own responsibility. When the integrity of the nation was menaced by 
armed rebellion Mr. Shanely abandoned the plow for the sword, and in 
18(4 enlisted as a private in Company II, One Hundred and Thirty- 
fourth ( >hio Volunteer Infantry, with which he was in active service for 
a period of about four months. At the expiration of his term he re- 
turned to bis home and resumed farming, and to this industry he has 
ever since continued to give his attention, also raising a high grade of 
live stock, and lias been very successful in his efforts, his landed estate 
now comprising two hundred and twenty-seven acres, the greater portion 
being under a high state of cultivation, while the permanent improve- 
ments are of the best order, including a commodious and attractive brick 
residence, which was erected by Mr. Shanely in [876. He has prac- 
tica'lly retired from the active duties pertaining to the farm, but still main- 
tains a general supervision of his rine estate. He has taken a lively in- 
terest in all that concerns the progress and material and civie welfare 
of his native count}', and is one of the honored pioneer citizens, the 
family having been one of prominence in the county from an early epoch 
in it> history. Mr. Shanely's first presidential vote was casl for Pierce 
in 1852; iiis next for Buchanan and the third for Lincoln in tSdo. since 
which time he has remained a stalwart supporter of the Republican partv. 
having voted for every one of its presidential candidates from the time 
of its organization. His religious faith is that of the United Brethren 
church, and he has been an active worker in the same, as ha-- also Ins wife. 
Mr. Shanely s first marriage was solemnized in the year i860, when 
he was united to Miss Sarah J. Henry, and they became the parents of 
lour children, namely: John \\ .. a farmer of Adams township, married 
Cora Scob) . .-Mice is the wife of William Long: Charles, who is a promi- 
nent physician and surgeon at Sedgwood, North Dakota, and where he 
is abo largely engaged in agricultural pursuits, stock-raising and min- 
ing, married Capsola Shopsher: and Lydia A. is the wife of \V. E. Pan!- 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 651 

ington, ' i Shelby county, and a member of the 1 )hio legislature. Mrs. 
Shanely was summoned into eternal rest in [872, and our subject subse- 
quently married Miss Lydia A. W right, who was horn in Henry county, 
Indiana They have two children,— Trina, who is the wife of John 
Domire; and Barbara C, who remains at the parental home. Mr. 
Shanely has many times been offered official positions, but he has steadily 
decline!, as the emoluments of office have had little attraction lor him. 



ISAAC SHANELY 



Tin subject of this review is an honored hero of the Civil war and 
a man who for many years has held a leading place among the agri- 
culturists of Champaign county. He was bom on the farm on which 
he now lives, October 20, 1832, the youngest child of John and Catherine 
(Haisch) Shanely, whose history will be found in the sketch of Jacob 
Shanley in this volume. When the country became involved in civil 
war Isaac Shanely left his home and went to the front as a defender of 
the Union cause, enlisting November 21. [861, as a member of Com- 
pany 1, Forty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Entering the ranks as 
a private, he was soon promoted to the position of quartermaster, and 
in that capacity participated in many of the hard-fought battles of the 
wav. In the engagement at Port Gibson he received a Rebel bullet in 
the neck and shoulder, and for a time thereafter was confined in the 
hospital at Grand Gulf, but on the 21st of June following he rejoined his 
company and was present at the siege of Vicksburg. On the 2d of 
December, 1864. he received an honorable discharge and returned to his 
home. He now receives a pension of six dollars in compensation for 
his services. 

Throughout his entire life he has resided on the old Shanely home- 
stead, which was entered by his father in 1S20. and he still has in his 



652 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

possession the original patent from the government. In 1874 he erected 
one of the finest residences in the county, at a cost of five thousand dol- 
lars. His farm contains three hundred and twentv acres of rich and 
fertile land. He has always followed advanced and progressive meth- 
ods of agriculture, and his place is neat and thrifty in appearance, owing 
to his consecutive labors and careful supervision. In 1868 he was united 
in marriage to Barbara A. Shaffer, a daughter of John and Catherine 
(Howard) Shaffer, natives of Germany. Mrs. Shanely was also born in 
that country, but when four years of age was brought by her parents to 
America, the family locating first in Logan county, Ohio, and, afterward 
came to Champaign county. She is the eldest child of her mother's first 
marriage, and she was reared and educated in this county. By her 
marriage to Mr. Shanely she has become the mother of five children, 
namely : L. Grant, who married Josephine C. Staley ; Callie C., deceased ; 
Elizabeth Jane, also deceased; George C, who was born in 1875 and is 
still at home; and Isaac N.,also at home. The family are members of 
the United Brethren church, in which Air. Shanely has served as a trustee 
for forty years and is an active worker for the cause of Christianity. 
Since returning from the war he has given a standi support to the Repub- 
lican party, and in his social relations he is a member of the Grand Army 
of the Republic. In the growth and upbuilding of Champaign county he 
has evei borne his part, has been honorable in business, loyal in friend- 
ship, faithful in citizenship, and now in his declining years he can look 
back over the past with little occasion for regret. 



GEORGE G. McCREA. 

1 iptain George C. McCrea, one of the well known and progressive 
citizens of Champaign county, is a member of an old and distinguished 
Family, He is a son of Wallace and Jane (Stapleton) McCrea. The 



CENTEXXIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 653. 

former was born in Catskill, New York, July 1 1, 1810, ami was a son of 
fohn and Elizabeth (Bell) McCrea. John was a son of Thomas Mc- 
Crea, who was a native of Scotland, coming from Kintail, the town of 
McCreas. He was burn in 1724. In 1759 he was married to Elizabeth. 
.Montgomery, daughter of a Scotch lord Subsequently they came to Ire- 
land, living in County Tyrone, and from there they came in 1787, to 
America, settling in Kortright, Delaware county, Xew York, where they 
lived until passing away. Thomas McCrea died in 1822. John McCrea. 
born in Scotland or alter the removal of the family to Ireland, was the 
third child of Thomas and Elizabeth McCrea. When a youth of eighteen 
years he became imbued with the desire to emigrate to America, and gain- 
ing the consent of his parents, acted upon this impetious impulse and made 
the voyage to the new 7 world alone, landing in New York City in 1775. 
In Kortright, New York, on February 5, 1803. he was united in marriage 
to Elizabeth Bell, who was born in New York in 1767. In 181 7. accom- 
panied by his wife and children, Mr. McCrea removed from the Empire 
state to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he followed his trade of a mason and his 
efficiency in bis line is attested by the fact that he superintended the con- 
struction of the first city water-works there. In the following year, 1818, 
he came to Champaign county, securing three hundred and twenty acres 
of government land, and on this farm bis grandson. Captain George G. 
McCrea. now resides. After securing his land he returned to Cincinnati. 
where he worked at his trade until the spring- of 1820, and then came with 
his family to his former purchase. This section was then new ami wild, 
its forests stood in their primeval strength and the Indians still roamed 
through the dense woods, seeking the game which could be had in abund- 
ance. Here he took up his permanent abode, erecting a log cabin and 
developing bis land. He was possessed of small means and during- the 
panic of 1821-22 was obliged to sell a part of his purchase, but as the years 
passed by he became pn ispen ius and eventually accumulated a c< impetence. 



654 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

For many years he was the only competent mason of this locality. Both 
he and his wife led earnest Christian lives and both were members o\ the 
Salem Presbyterian church, located near Christians! mrg. Champaign 
county. He was also a member of Mount Olivet Lodge. F. & A. M., and 
was a Whig in his political views. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Mc< 'rca were born 
four children: Eliza, who married Frederick Johnston; William B., 
John and Wallace, all now deceased. Mr. McCrea was called to his final 
rest on the 14th of April. 1837. and his wife survived until July 15, 
[852, when she joined him in the spirit world. 

Wallace McCrea, the father of our subject was educated in the 
primitive schools of his day. On the 22d of March. [832, he was united 
in marriage to fane Stapleton. and they began their domestic life in this 
neighborhood but subsequently located on the old homestead, where the 
remainder of their lives was spent. During the trying period of the 
Civil war he manifested his loyality to the government by raising both 
money and men to preserve the Union. He was first a Whig in his politi- 
cal views, but in 1856 joined the new Republican party, ever afterward 
remaining a stanch supporter of its principles. Throughout his life he de- 
voted hi- energies to farming and stock-raising, and in both lines he was 
successful. lie was at all times a public-spirited and progressive citizen, 
and although never an office-seeker he held many local positions. The 
union of Mr. and Mrs. McCrea was blessed with five children, namely: 
John who died in 1852 at the age of nineteen years; George (*>., of this 
review : FJiza I., who married Charles L. Rogers, of Champaign county. 
being born September 23. 1838. and died June 26, 1876, at the age of 
thirty-eight years; Calvin, who died in 18^13 at the age of one year and 
seven months; and Sarah, who died in [852, at the age of seven years 
and eight months. The mother of this family closed her eyes in death on 
the 1 51I1 of July. [871, at the age of sixty-three years, her birth having 
occurred on the 8th of July, [808, in Ohio, but she was of \ irginia parent- 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 655 

age. Mr. McCrea was called to his final rest in 1S93. aged eighty-three 

years. 

Captain George McCrea, was horn in a log cabin in the village of 
Christiansburg. July 17, 1836, and was early inured to the labors ol held 
and meadow, his educational advantages having been secured in the primi- 
tive schools then in' vogue. He remained at home until his enlistment for 
the Civil war, in August, 1862, entering Company E, One Hundred and 
Thirteenth ( Mho Volunteer Infantry, being mustered in as a private. 1 [is 
regimem was a part of the Army of the Cumberland, and with it he took 
part in the many hotly contested battles in which that gallant army en- 
gaged. Hi-, regiment was made a part of the Second Brigade, Second 
Division, Fourteenth Army Corps, and was commanded by General 
Thomas, the "Rock of Chickamauga." The two principal hattles in which 
he participated were those of Chickamauga and Missionary Ridge. At 
Louisville, Kentucky, the Captain was mustered out of service, and was 
discharged at Columbus, Ohio. July 5, 1865. Captain McCrea entered 
the ranks as a private bul for meritorious services on the field of battle 
he received, the following promotions: Second sergeant, first sergeant, 
orderly sergeant, second lieutenant, first lieutenant, and during the spring 
oi 1864 was in command of Company D. He was relieved from that com- 
mand on the 27th of June, 1 Si u , ami returned to his old company, and on 
the death of Captain John Bowersock, who was killed at the battle oi 
Kenesaw Mountain, our subject was placed in command of Company E, 
his own company, serving in that capacity until he was mustered out >1 

ice. At Kenesaw Mountain, during a tall in tin- engagement, he re- 
ceived a sun stroke, and. was carried oft the field by four comrades of 
( iompany D, but after ten days he had sufficiently recovered to rejoin his 
In the same engagement, while leading his men, sword in 
hand, the weapon was struck by a minie hall near in point and was nearly 
wrenched from his hand, lie -till has tiiis weapon in hi- possession and 



•656 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

it is nne of his most precious souvenirs, having been the first sword given 
him when lie was promoted to second sergeant, and lie used it in all the 
engagements and through the whole campaign. His division was sent 
to the relief of Burnside at Knoxville and on May 2, 1864, his regi- 
ment was on the firing line when Sherman made his memorable move to- 
wan 1 Atlanta. At Kenesaw Mountain, June 27, [864, the regiment was 
in the thickest of the fight, losing ten of its nineteen officers in killed and 
wounded — one hundred and sixty-three men being killed, wounded and 
taken prisoners. During this memorable campaign, his regiment was 
within the constant hearing of musketry or artillery for one hundred daws. 
The next battle he participated in was the battle of Jonesboro, which was 
really the fall of Atlanta, as Jonesboro was the only way of escape the 
enemy had. After the fall of Atlanta, our subject and his regiment went 
with Sherman to the sea and was present at the capture of Savannah. 
After Sherman's army, on January 20, (865, left Savannah, it marched 
through South Carolina, where took place the battle of Averysboro,March 
16, 1865. The battle of Bentonville followed, March 19, [865, which was 
•the last for that regiment as it went on to ( ioldsbon 1 ( Sherman's objective 
point ), arriving March 23, [865, then to Smithville, April 12, where they 
received the information of Lee's surrender on April 9, 1805, then to 
Raleigh, then to Morrisville: the first day of May they started for Wash- 
ington by the way of Richmond, arriving at Camp Ward on the 10th of 
May, [865, near Alexandria, being on the march seventeen days. With 
a gallant military record Captain McCrea returned to his home after the 
close of the war and again took up the duties 'of civil life. On the 1st of 
January, 1872, he was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Richards, and 
the} took up their abode on the old McCrea homestead, where he has ever 
since resided. The place now contains two hundred and forty-one acres 
:.inl constitutes one of the best farms to be found in Champaign county. 
< In the 30th of October, 1875, Mrs. McCrea was called to her final rest, 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 657 

leaving one son. John W., who resides in Cleveland, Ohio. She was 
born on the ;th of June, 1849. For his second wife the Captain chose 
Miss Hester Ann Berkshire, their wedding having been celebrated on the 
8th of November, 1881, and they have one child. Mary E., who was born 
December 24, [882, and is at home. Since his return from the war the 
Captain has been elected to many positions of honor and trust. In 1892 
he was made a county commissioner, which he continued to fill for nearly 
seven years, and for a time was chairman of the hoard. He has also 
held the office of township treasurer. He maintains pleasant relations 
with his old arm) comrades through his membership in the H. C. Scott 
Post, No. iii.G. A. R., of St. Paris. Ohio. 



PERRY DANIELS. 



Perry Daniels was one of the honored pioneers who aided in laying 
the foundation on which to erect the superstructure of Champaign coun- 
ty's present prosperity and progress, and through the period of early 
development he was an important factor in the improvement and ad- 
vancement of this section of the slate. His father. Thomas Daniels, 
was born, reared and educated in the famous old Blue Grass state, but 
in 1813, after his marriage he left his southern home for Ohio, locating 
on the present Daniels homestead in Champaign county. The land was 
•.hen in its primitive condition, but as the years passed by he cleared a 
portion of this farm, and here his death occurred in 1841. He was 
married in his native state to Sarah Cainbell. and she, too. was born 
and reared in Kentucky. This union was blessed with ten children, 
four sons and six daughters, as follows: America. Narcissa, George, 
Malinda. Perry, Laniana, Andrew Jackson, Milton. Etna and Catch. 



658 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

All but four of the children were torn in Champaign count}-, and here 
all were reared. They have since passed to their final reward. The 
father gave his political support to the Whig part)- and religiously was 
a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. 

Perry Daniels, the immediate subject of this review, was born in 
this locality on the 8th of January, 1814, and throughout his youth and 
early manhood he assisted his father in clearing and improving his Ohio 
home. The educational privileges which he received were those afforded 
by the district .schools of the neighborhood. In early life he also studied 
the art of surveying, but never followed that profession, preferring to 
give his energies to the tilling of the soil. After his father's death he 
became the owner of the old home place of one hundred and fifty-seven 
and a halt acres. He performed his part in the arduous task of clearing 
new land, plowing and planting the crops and throughout his entire life 
he was engaged in agricultural pursuits on the old homestead in Har- 
rison township. He was prominently identified with the Republican 
party, and for a number of years held the office of constable. His social 
relation, connected him with the .Masonic fraternity, holding membership 
with the lodge at West Liberty. 

\- a companion on the journey of life Air. Daniels chose Miss Mary 

shire, who was born in Dayton, Ohio, and she there remained until 
within a few years of her marriage. Her father, Henn Barckshire, was 
:i native of the northern part of Ohio. In an earl) day lie moved to 
I 'avion, making the journey by boat, and during tin was 

burning in a kettle until it was discovered by the Indian-. In that 
city he was married to Miss Sarah Morris, a native of Virginia, hut 
when an infant die was brought to this state and was reared m Clark 
county. This worthy couple became the parent-, of ,i\ children, of whom 
Mrs. I >'• - the eldest in order of birth. By her marriage with 

ubject she became the mother of eight children, namelv: Mien. 



s 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 659 

deceased; Sarah, at home; Margery, the wife of L. J. Baker, who is 
engaged in the implement business in Urbana; Adelia, the wife of J. 
J I. Wilson, who is engaged in business in Corning, California; Mar- 
guentte, who also makes her home in that state; Minnie, the wife of 
Don Wilson, of California: Anna, who is also unmarried and resides in 
thai state. All of the children were born on the old home farm in 
Champaign county. Mr. Daniels was called to his final rest on the cSth 
of December, 1S87. His was a long, active, useful and honorable life, 
and his name is indelibly inscribed on the pages of Champaign county's 
hist tv. 



D. S. PERRY. 



' >ne oi the most expert authorities on broom-corn in Champaign 
count} is I). S. Perry, a substantial citizen of Urbana and variously in- 
terested in the surrounding agricultural, industrial and banking enter- 
prises. A native of Venango county. Pennsylvania, he was born Febru- 
ary 20, 1837. a son of John and Mary ( Smith) Perry, and grandson of 
Abides and Phcebe (Cross) Perry. The origin of the family is authen- 
tically traced far back into Scottish history, in which country Moses 
Perry was born, and from where he emigrated to America with his 
parents when yet a boy. His wife was born in Ireland, and as a child 
crossed the sea with the rest of her family, settling, as did the Perns, in 
Pennsylvania. After the marriage of the young people they removed to 
Venango county, Pennsylvania, and lived upon the same farm for sixty- 
fb e years, or until the time of their respective deaths. While tilling their 
land and taking a prominent part in the general affairs of the county, the 
grandparents reared a family of five sons and three daughters. 

I he parents of D. S. Perry were born, reared, and married in Penn- 



3i 



660 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

sylvania, in which state the maternal grandfather. David Smith, was 
born, and in his longevity showed a truly remarkable hold on life, attain- 
ing- to tour months less than a hundred years. He married Ann Lane, 
v ho was of Welsh descent, and who died at a comparatively early age. 
To John and Alary (Smith) Perry were born five sons and four daugh- 
ters, one son and two daughters being deceased. Three of the s< >ns served 
their country in the Union army during the Civil war. Tw o of the daugh- 
ters, Mrs. John W. Snyder and Mrs. D. C. Carey, as well as D, S. Perry. 
are the only members of the family living in Champaign county. 

Up to the time of his removal to Urbana in 1880, i ). S. Perry en- 
gaged in farming and stock-raising, and from his fourteenth vear has 
been interested in either the raising, purchasing or manufacture of broom- 
corn. While still on the paternal homestead Ik- attended the public 
schools, and in the spring of 1862 settled on a farm in Union township, 
this county, where with his brother, he engaged on an extensive scale in 
the cultivation of broom-ci ;rn. The handling < if this necessary ci immi 'dis- 
proved such a reliable source of revenue that upon locating permanently 
in Urbana Mr. Perry devoted himself entirely to promoting his chosen 
industry, and with his brother formed the broom-corn manufacturing en- 
terprise under the firm name of Perry Brothers, in time the brother 
withdrew from the concern by disposing of his share to Mr. White, and 
for the following ten years the affairs 1 if the manufactory were conducted 
under the firm name of Perry & White. At the expiration of this time 
tiie interests of Mr. Perry passed into the hands of J. I). Valentine, and 
(he now reliable and successful firm of White, Valentine & Company 
maintain the old substantial business integrity fostered for so many years 
by the Perry brothers. 

In the meantime Mr. Perry had been perfecting arrangements for 
an independent broom-corn business along somewhat different lines, and 
he lias since been engaged in the supply department, principally in buying 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 66 1 

and selling corn, and also the machinery required for its conversion into 
brooms. He lias heavy holdings in several concerns, notably the Ohio 
Straw-Board Company, of which he is president and chief promoter. 
Additional responsibilities have been assumed as president of the Ohio 
Laundry Company, of Urbana, as a director in the Citizens' National 
"Bank, and as a stock-holder in warehouse interests in Areola, Illinois. 
Mr. Perry is also interested in general farming, and he raises stock on 
an extensive scale. 

On the 30th of March. [864, Mr. Perry was united in marriage to 
Susan L. Madden, and of this union there have been three children, one of 
whom, a son, died at the age of seventeen years. The daughters are 
married respectively to Air. A. B. Offenbacker and L. C. Shyrigh. Mr. 
Perry is a member of the hoard of trade, and in political affiliation is a 
Republican. With his wife he is connected with the Methodist Episcopal 
church. His is a career which has been watched with increasing pride on 
the part of his fellow citizens, anion;;- whom he is regarded as a typical 
business man of the progressive and reliable order. 



R. C. MOULTON. 



The Green Mountain state has furnished many men of prominence 
and worth to the west, and among the number is included R. C. Moulton, 
of Champaign county. He was born in Orange county, Vermont, Febru- 
ary 5, 1821. His paternal grandfather, Phineas Moulton. was a native 
of Massachusetts, but early in life settled in Vermont, where he reared 
a large family of children. His son Phineas became the father of our 
subject, and he, too, was born in Orange county, Vermont. He followed 
the tilling of the soil as a life ocupation, and during the war of 181 _' he 



662 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

served his country as a brave and loyal soldier, for which he received 
a land warrant. His life's labors were ended in deatli when lie had 
reached the age of sixty-five years, in the county of his nativity he was 
united in marriage to Maria Cotton, a native of Bethel, Windsor county, 
Vermont, and a descendant of Sir Robert Bruce Cotton, of England. 
Her father, Biby Lake Cotton, was also a native of Vermont, and was 
a soldier during the Revolutionary war. He married Miss Uice ( base, 
an aunt of Salmon P. Chase, and a sister of Bishop Philander Chase, 
the founder of the college at Gambier, Knox county, Ohio. Mrs. Moul- 
ton was called to her final rest at the age of eighty- four years. She 
became the mother of twelve children, nine of whom grew to years of 
maturity, namely: Martha, who became the wife of William Bissel], 
Bishop of Vermont ; Caroline Chase, who served in the treasury depart- 
ment at Washington when Air. Chase was secretary of the treasury; R. 
C, of this review: Ellen, who became the wife of Nathan L. Pennock; 
.Alice Chase, who became the wife of A. M. Could; Sarah P., the wife 
of William P. Wheeler, a prominent attorney in New Hampshire: R; 
!'■.. the wife of John Newell, a civil engineer; Mary, who died at the 
age of eighteen years; Lavinia and Maria, twins, the former the wife 
i i a Mr. Bates, of Washington, D. C, who formerly served in the patent 
office there, and the latter the wife of Gemont Grave Episcopal min- 

ister of Burlington. Vermont. Their daughter is the wife of Major 
Andrews, who is serving in the Philippine-. 

R. C. Moulton, of tins review, received his elementary education 
in the district schools of his native locality, and hi- studies were com- 
pleted in the high school of ( (range county. Vermont. Desiring to enter 
die legal profession, he accordingly began the study of law immediately 
.''der completing his literary education, and was admitted to the bar 
in his native state in 1845. About two weeks later, in company with 
Erastus Martin, he came to the Buckeve state, locating: in Rush town- 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 663 

ship. Champaign county, where he made his home for one year. In 
[846 he continued his westward journey, joining an uncle, Salmon Chase 
1 otton, at Grand De Tour, Illinois, and in the same year he went to 
Geneva, Wisconsin, spending the following winter at Geneva Lake. Ju 
1:847 he continued his northward trip, and in 1848 returned to Champaign 
county, where he again took up the practice of law and at the same 
time taught vocal music. On the 6th of June, 1854, Mr. Moulton was 
united in marriage to Olive Pearl Howard, who was horn in Rush town- 
ship, this county, February 3, [832, a daughter of Anson and Olive 
('Pearl) Howard. Her father was horn at Hampton. Connecticut, April 
3. 1781, and in 1817 came to Champaign county, locating on the farm 
on which our subject now resides in Rush township. The place was 
then wild and uncultivated, and he was among the early pioneers of this 
locality. His death occurred on the 28th of March. [849. Mis father, 
William Howard, was horn on the [8th of January. 17-19, and was of 
English descent. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Phrebe Fuller, 
was born at Hampton, Connecticut, December 8, 1759. Mrs. Moulton' s 
mother was horn in Windham county, Connecticut, July 1, 1790. and 
her father. Philip Pear, was a native of the same count}-. Mr. and 
Mrs. Anson Howard became the parents of four children, three sons 
and a daughter, but one of the sons died in infancy. Mrs. Moulton was 
the youngest child and only daughter in the family, and she was born 
and has spent her entire life upon the farm on which she still resides. 
She is now the only living representative of her family. Two daugh- 
ters have blessed the union of our subject and wife. — Olive Pearl, wdio 
was horn June 2j , 1859. and died in September, 1863: and Mary, who 
was born July 21, 1865. The latter is the wife of Charles B. Whiley, 
and the\- ''eside in Lancaster. Fairfield county, Ohio, where he is a promi- 
nent attorney and a leading business man. They have two children. 
Don tin Bell and Olive Pearl. 



664 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Moulton located on the old 
Howard homestead, where they have ever since resided. Tire place now 
contains two hundred and fifty acres of rich and productive land. In 
addition to the raising of the cereals Mr. Moulton is extensively engaged 
in the sheep business, raising principally the Rambouillet breed, and in 
this branch of his business has met with a very high degree of success. 
Politically he has been a Republican since the organization of that party, 
and prior to that time voted with the Whigs. His life has been well 
spent, and bis integrity in business and his fidelity in all the relations of 
life have won him the confidence and esteem of many friends. 



HOMER PORTERFiELD. 

Homer Porterfield, president of the Porterfield Carriage Company, 
at Mechanicsburg, is a native of this state, and was born near Xew Paris, 
Preble county, February 14, 1S63. His parents, David A. and Minerva 
J. ( Hopper) Porterfield, were also natives of Ohio, in which state they 
engaged in farming during the greater part of their active lives, and 
where the father died in 1884, at the age of fifty-five years. The mother, 
who is now living in Richmond, Indiana, had eight children. 

The boyhood days of Homer Porterfield were uneventfully spent on 
the paternal farm, and by the time he had attained to sixteen years 
ambitious tendencies had arisen to emphasize the limitations of his sur- 
roundings. He therefore put farming behind him as not entirely suited 
to his temperament, and in Richmond. Indiana, learned the carriage busi- 
ness, to which he has since devoted his energies. In 1890 he located in 
Mechanicsburg in pursuit of his chosen occupation, and two years later 
became interested in the Schneider Carriage Company, which enterprise 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 665 

was in r.894 incorporated as the Porterfield Carriage Company, with Mr. 
Porterfield as president and general manager. This concern is one of 

the substantial business interests of the town, and turns out a high grade 
of vehicles, principally on the carriage order. 

In [886 Mr. Porterfield married Alice Schneider, of Richmond, Indi- 
ana, and of this union there arc two children, David Philip and Rhoda 
.Madge. Mr. Porterfield has for many years been active in Republican 
political undertakings, and is at present clerk of ' ioshen township. Fra- 
ternally he is associated with the Knights of Pythias, and he is a mem- 
ber of the Mechanicshurg Lodge, No. [13, F. & A. M. Mr. Porter- 
field has a reputation for sterling worth in his adopted town, and his 
public- spiritedness and enterprise are felt in many department of interest. 



FREDERICK X. BARGER. 

Frederick Xewls Barger. a worthy representative of a sterling old 
family, is one of the highly respected farmers and citizens of Concord 
township. Champaign county. The Bargers are of German origin and 
the many notable traits common to that people are to be observed in the 
character of our subject IPs paternal grandfather, John Barger. was 
born in Germany, but in early lite lie came with two brothers to Amer- 
ica, locating in Loudoun county, Virginia. He subsequently took up his 
abode, in Rockbridge county, that state. In political matters he was a 
Democrat. His son, Adam Barger, was there born on the 27th of De- 
cember, 1784, and in the county of bis birth, in 180S. he was united 
in marriage to Susanna Garrett, :>. native of Rockingham countv. Vir- 
ginia, and they became the parents of eleven children : Sally, deceased ; 
Frederick X.. of this review; George, Rebecca. Sophia, John and Chris- 



666 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

tina, also deceased; Nancy, who died in infancy; William, deceased; 
Matthew and Mary. In the Old Dominion, in 1832, the mother of this 
family was called to her final rest. Three years later, in 1835, the 
father came to Champaign county, purchasing eighty acres of land four 
mile- west of our subject's present farm, where he made his home until 
death, in i860, passing away at the age of eighty-four years. 

Frederick N. Earger, whose name introduces this review, was horn 
in Rockbridge county, Virginia, February 27, 1813, and remained under 
the parental roof and gave lus father the benefit of his services until he 
was twenty-one years of age. In 1836 he joined the family in Cham- 
paign county, locating one mile west of the Concord church, in Concord 
township, where for a time he worked at different occupations, during 
the first winter here being employed as a stavemaker and afterward as 
a carpenter. After his marriage he embarked in the gunsmith business, 
and while thus employed he repaired over three thousand guns and made 
about one hundred and fifty new ones. He subsequently returned to the 
old farm which he had first purchased on coming to Champaign count v. 
near the Concord church, where he made his home until [868, and in 
that year he came to the farm which he now owns. The place consists 
of eighty-eight acres, most of which he has placed under cultivation, and 
the man}' and substantial improvements thereon stand as monuments 
to Ins ability. He is also the owner of several sawmills. In former 
years he was a member of the old Know Nothing party. For thirteen 
years he efficiently served his township as its trustee, was its treasurer for 
four and a half years and for one year served as supervisor. He has at 
all times enjoyed the full confidence of the public, and no citizen of his 
section oi the county is held in higher respect. 

On the 10th of November, 1840, Mr. Barger was united in mar- 
riage to Miss Sarah Strayer, a native also of Virginia. When about 
eighteen years of age she accompanied her parents on their removal to 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 667 

Logan county, Ohio, where they were anions;' the early pioneers. Mr. 
and Mrs. Barger have had six children, namely: Frances, the wife of 
John Taylor, a farmer of Champaign county; Jennette, the wife of John 
C. Cram, a blacksmith in Michigan; and Mary Elizabeth, Margaret I tan 
nah, John L. and Rosa Emma, deceased. In his social relations Mr. 
Barger is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. No. 40, 
•of Urban:'., and also of its beneficiary auxiliary, and was formerly identi- 
fied with the Grange. He is a prominent member of the old Concord 
church, in which he formerly had charge of the library, and he also 
assisted materially in the erection of its house of worship. He is now 
one of the oldest residents in this section of the state, and nearly his 
entire life has been spent in the interests of Champaign county. 



SAMUEL Z1RKLE. 



On the roll of Millerstown's respected and leading business men 
is found the name of Samuel Zirkle, who for a number of years has 
been connected with its mercantile and milling interests. He comes of 
one of the old colonial families of Virginia, and on the maternal side 
he is a relative of the famous Andrew Jackson. He was born in Mad 
River township. Champaign county, on the 27th of March, 1844, and is 
a son of Cornelius and Nancy (Jackson) Zirkle. both born and reared 
in Virginia. 'The former, who was born on the 12th of July, [804, was 
a miller by trade, but after his removal to the Buckeve state, about [825, 
he located on a farm of eighty acres in Mad River township, and there- 
after gave his entire time to its cultivation and improvement. He was 
numbered among the prominent old pioneers of the locality. The mar- 
riage of Mr. and Mrs. Zirkle was celebrated in Virginia and the\ be- 



668 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

came the parents of four children, namely: Herndon; Marguerite J., 
deceased; Cornelius, also deceased: and Samuel, of this review. With 
the exception of the eldest all were bom in Champaign county. The 
mother of this family was called to her final rest in 1848. and two years 
afterward, in 1850. the father was again married, Mrs. Mary Smith 
becoming his wife. She. too, was born in Virginia, and was the widow 
nf a Mr. Sargent. By his second marriage Mr. Zirkle became the father 
of five children, — Salvanus A., Theodore, John, Melvina and Catherine. 
The two last mentioned are now deceased, and all were born in Cham- 
paign county. The father continued to carry on the work of :ii> farm 
in Mad River township until his life's labors were ended in death, pass- 
ing away in the faith of the Lutheran church, of which he was a worthy 
and consistent member. His political support was given to the De- 
mocracy. 

Samuel Zirkle, of this review, remained under the parental roof and 
gave to his father the benefit of his services until his marriage, when 
he was twenty-six years of age, after which he removed to a farm of 
his own in Mad River township, there remaining for about one year. 
His next home was in Johnson township, on whiqh he remained for 
two years, for five years resided on the Solomon Snapp farm in Adams 
township, for a similar period maintained his residence on the George 
R. Kiser farm in Johnson township, and went thence to Millerstown, 
where in the fall of 1883 he purchased the mill which he still owns and 
operates. Since 1896 he has also been identified with the mercantile 
interests of that city, and in both departments of trade he is meeting with 
a will merited degree of success. He is a persevering, resolute business 
man and conducts all trade transactions with the strictest regard to the 
ethics 0! business life. I lis name has ever been synonymous with hon- 
orable dealing, and he has the unlimited confidence of all with whom 
he has o me in contact. 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 669. 

On the 15th of December. 1870, Mr. Zirkle was united in marriage 
to Effie Groves, who was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, and was there 
reared and educated. Her parents were also natives of that county. 
This union has been brightened and blessed with two children. — Alfred 
C.j who was horn on the 9th of March. 1872, and is now the junior 
partner in the mercantile business; and Carry F., at home. In politics 
Mr. Zirkle is a Democrat, and at all times is true to his duties of citizen- 
ship. Socially he is a member of the Independent Order of Red Men at 
Millerstown. 



A. H. MIDDLETON. 

Numbered among the younger members of the medical profession- 
in Champaign county is Dr. A. H. Middleton, a representative of promi- 
nent old pioneer families. Flis paternal grandfather was a native of the 
Old Dominion and was of English descent. In a very early day he 
left his southern home for the Buckeye state, locating first in Brown 
county and later came to Champaign count}-, where he was numbered 
among the early pioneers. He was a civil engineer by profession, and 
in connection therewith he also followed the tilling of the soil in this 
county. 

John Middleton, the father of him whose name introduces this re- 
view, was born in Brown County, Ohio, and when ten years of age he 
accompanied his parents on their removal to Champaign county, and here 
Ins death occurred in 1880. Fie, too, followed the tilling of the soil, 
and in bis political views was a stanch member of the Republican party, 
in which he was a prominent and active worker, and for many years 
served as a justice of the peace. He was also a prominent and worthy 
member of the Disciple church, and assisted in the erection of the church. 



6-o CENTEX XI AL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

of that denomination at Cable, while in his social relations he held 

membership with the Independent Order of Odd Felli >\\ s. His wife h< >re 
the maiden name of Mary McCumber. She traced her nativity to the 
Empire state, but when young she was taken to Pennsylvania, and 
thence came to Ohio. Her death here occurred in [897, when she had 
leached the age of sixty-seven years. Her father, who was of Scotch 
descent, was also one of the early pioneers of Champaign count}'. Unto 
Mr. and Mrs. Middleton were born twelve children, nine sons and three 
daughters, all of whom grew to years of maturity and reared families 
of their own. 

A. H. Middleton, the eleventh child and eighth son in the above 
family, was burn in Wayne township, Champaign county, Ohio. January 
24. 1863, and in the district school of the neighborhood he received his 
primary education. At the early age of sixteen years he entered the 
school room as an instructor, and for five years he followed the teacher's 
profession, and during that time, when nineteen years of age, he also 
began the study of medicine, under the preceptorship of Dr. H. C. Hous- 
ton, of L'rbana. At the age of twenty-one years he entered the homeo- 
pathic college of that city, in which institution he was graduated in 1887, 
and for the following three years he was engaged in the practice of his 
profession in Cable. In 1890 he removed to Springfield. Ohio, where 
he was engaged as a medical practitioner until 1896, while for the fol- 
lowing four years he was stationed at Terre Haute. Champaign county, 
and since that time lie has made his home at Cable and has here built 
up an extensive and lucrative patronage. 

The marriage of Dr. Middleton was celebrated in [888, when Miss 
Alice Baker became his wife. She was born in Mad River township. 
Champaign county, and is a daughter of A. R. and Rebecca (Weaver) 
Baker, prominent early settlers of that township. Mrs. Middleton at- 
tended the normal school at Urbana for a time, and afterward became 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 671. 

one of the successful teacher- of the count}'. Unto this union have been 
horn two sons, — Rollin and Harry. The Doctor is a member of the 
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Cable Lodge, Xo. 395. and of 
the Junior Order of American [Mechanics at Terre Haute, while in polit- 
ical matters he gives a stanch and unwavering" support to Republican 
principles. 



WILLIAM WARD. 

In almost all American communities there may be found quiet, re- 
tiring men. who never ask public office or appear prominent in public 
affairs, yet, nevertheless, they exert a widely felt influence in the com- 
munities in which they live and help to construct the proper founda- 
tion upon which the social and political world is built. Such a man is 
William "Ward, who for many years has been an honored and respected 
citizen of Champaign county. Back to the Old Dominion must we turn 
in tracing his lineage. His father. James Ward, was born in that com- 
monwealth, in Shenandoah count v. and he was there reared to years of 
maturity When a young man lie came to Champaign county. Ohio, 
and after his marriage lie located on a farm in Johnson township, where 
he -pent the remainder of his life, dying at the age of seventy-five years. 
He was a life-long farmer and was identified with the Democratic part}'. 
His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Clem, was also a native 
of Virginia, but came with her parents to Champaign county, and here 
her death occurred at the age of eighty-two years. 

William Ward, of this review, was the third in order of birth of 
his parents' children, and lie \\.';s born in Johnson town-hip. Champaign 

ity, March 30, [840. He tred in the place of his nativity, and 

received his education in the district schools of Johnson and Adams 



•672 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

townships. He now owns a valuable farm of three hundred acres, located 
in those townships, and by industry and good management has brought 
his land under a high state of cultivation. In all his business trans- 
actions he has manifested keen discrimination, great energy and strict 
integrity, and these qualities have insured him prosperity. In the year 
i8;>3 occurred the marriage oi Mr. Ward and Miss Rebecca Icher, a 
native of Adams township, Champaign county, and a member of an old 
and prominent pioneer family of this locality. This marriage has been 
blessed with nine living children, namely: Rosa, the wife of Valentine 
Body; Eliza, the wife of Elmer Smith; Ella, the wife of John Frank: 
Ollie E., the wife of Thomas Prince; Nettie, who married William 
Barnum; Locke}-, the wife of Clyde Blackford; Caroline, at home; Abra- 
ham, who married Bertha Cooper; and William M.. also at home. Mr. 
Ward gives his political support to the Democratic party, and his religious 
connections are with the United Brethren church, of which he is a worthy 
and valued member. Mr. arid Airs. Ward are sincerelj admired and 
loved by those who have known them nearly a life time, and in peace and 
content they are passing the evening of life, surrounded by the comforts 
and luxuries which are the fruits of their former years of industry and 

good management. 

*—*■ 

FRANK A. ZIMMER. . 

Frank A. Zimmer, who is filling the position of prosecuting attornev 
in Champaign county, is a young man, but his ability does not seem 
limited by his years, as he has already won a reputation which many an 
older practitioner might well envy. He was born in St. Paris, this 
county. August i, 1872. and is a son of George and [Catherine (Sutter) 
Zimmer, both of whom were natives of Baden, Germany. When they 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 673 

came to America they first lived in Cincinnati, but afterward removed 
to this county, taking up their abode in St. Paris, and there the father 
went into the bakery business, which he followed for many years, con- 
ducting both a bakery and confectionery business. He then lived in re- 
tirement to the time of his death. He was a good business man. enter- 
prising and progressive, and though he began life in limited financial cir- 
cumstances he steadily worked his way upward until he accumulated a 
comfortable competence. Mrs. Zimmer had engaged in teaching in the 
German fatherland and is a well educated lady, who still resides in St. 
Paris. In their family were six children, namely: Ernest G., a physi- 
cian of Upland, Indiana; Mary, the wife of Charles Mitchell, of Spring- 
field, Ohio; Emanuel R., a dentist in Upland; and Emma and Frederick, 
who reside in St. Paris with their mother. 

The other member of the family is Frank A. Zimmer, who was the 
fifth, in the order of birth. He was reared in St. Paris and in the schools 
of that town acquired his literary education. Subsequently he was em- 
ployed for one year in the Phillips House at Dayton and later accepted 
a clerkship in a dry goods establishment at Sidney. Ohio. He after- 
ward pursued a business course in the commercial college at Springfield, 
following which he engaged in teaching in the Oak Grove school for one 
year. Continuing his educational work, he was for five years a teacher 
in the high school at Urbana, and during that time engaged in the study 
of law-, which he continued in the Ohio State University, completing the 
course in 1899. 

In October of that year Mr. Zimmer was admitted to the bar and 
formed a partnership with Charles E. Buroker, of St. Paris. They 
opened a law office in Urbana as well as in St. Paris and Mr. Zimmer 
still continues in the former. In April, iNcjo, he was nominated on 
the Republican ticket for the office of county prosecuting attorney and 



674 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

in the following November was elected for a term of three years, enter- 
ing upon the duties of the office January 7, 1901. 

On the 17th of October, 1901, Mr. Zimmer was joined 111 wedlock 
td Miss Xellie W. Grove, a daughter of S. B. Grove, the present auditor 
of Champaign county. Socially he is connected with the Masonic order,. 
Knights of Pythias fraternity and with the Junior Order of United 
American Mechanics. He is also secretary of the Ohio State Prosecut- 
ing Attorneys Association and in the line of his profession has won dis- 
tinction and will undobtedly win greater success in the future. 



TASON KIZER. 



Among the pioneer families of Champaign count}' was the one of 
which our subject is a representative. His grandfather, Joseph Kizer, 
was born in the Shenandoah valley, Virginia, but as earlv as 1812 he 
'.in' 1 to Ohio, locating on the farm on which our subject now resides, 
and there he spent the remainder of his life and was buried in the old 
family burying ground on the faun. lie cleared and partly improved 
one hundred and sixty acres of land. In the place of his nativit) he 
was united in marriage to Katherine Comer, also a native of the Old 
Dominion, and they became the parents of eight children, seven sons 
and a daughter, of whom (diaries Kizer. the father of our subject, was 
the fifth si hi in 1 irder 1 if birth. 

The latter was born on the old homestead in Champaign county on 
the 28th of January, l8i8, and there spent Ids entire life. After his 
father's death he purchased the interests of the remaining heirs, and as 
the years passed by he succeeded in completing in a large measure the 
work which his father had begun. In [839 he married Hannah Ham- 
back, and she, ton, was a. native of Champaign county, where die was 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 675 

also reared and educated. Her father. Louis Hamback, was born in 
Berks county, Virginia, and was there married to a Miss Norman, by 
vvhom he had five children. This family were also among the early pio- 
neers of Champaign county. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Kizer was 
blessed with nine children, as follows: Barbara Kenton; Elizabeth B., 
deceased; Ellen Blair: Jason; Mary Ammons; Lydia, deceased; Harriet 
Foster; John, deceased; and George, also deceased. All were born on 
the old homestead in this county. Mr. Kizer gave his political support 
to the Democrat party, and religiously was a member of the Reformed 
church at Millerstown, he having assisted in the erection of its house of 

worship there. 

lason Kizer. whose name introduces this review, was also born on 
the old Kizer homestead in Champaign county, his natal day being April 
2, [845. Alter his father's death he became the owner of this valuable 
old farm, on which he has placed many substantial improvement-. In 
[885 he left the home of his birth and removed to Miami county, this 
state, where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of improved land, 
on which he made his home for twelve years. He then returned to the 
old farm in Champaign county. On the 22d of April. 1869, he was 
united in marriage to Ellen McMorran, a native of Johnson township, 
this county, and a daughter of Christian and Sarah (Loudenbach) Mc- 
Morran, prominent early settlers of Champaign county. Four children 
have blessed this marriage.— Asa C, Charles C. Wilber C. ami David 
I'., but the first born is now deceased. The Democratic party receives 
Mr. Kizer s active support and co-operation, and while residing in Miami 
county he served a- a school director for six years. In his social rela- 
tion- he is a membei of the Grange The family hold membership in the 
Reformed church. They enjoy the hospitaht) of man) of the besl homes 
of Champaign county, and their circle of friends is almost co-extensive 
with their circle of acquaintances. 



36 



676 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

R. H. PICKERING. 

The deserved reward of a well spent life is an honored retirement 
from business, in which to enjoy the fruits of former toil. To-day, after 
a useful and beneficial career, Mr. Pickering' is quietly living at his pleas- 
ant home in Rosewood, surrounded by the comfort that earnest labor 
has brought him. He is a prominent citizen of the community and has 
borne h»s part in the upbuilding and development of Adams township. 
.Mr. Pickering was born in Rockingham county. Virginia, December 
7. 1824. His paternal grandfather, William Pickering, was born in th-s 
land of the shamrock, but when a young man he crossed the Atlantic 
to America and took up his abode in Rockingham county. Virginia. 

He was there married to a Miss W Hey, and in the Old Dominion he 

spent the remainder of his life. William Pickering, the father of our 
subject, was born and reared in that commonwealth, and in 1839 he came 
to Adams township. Champaign county, < Ihio. For a companion on the 
journey of life he chose Martha Cow en, also a native of Rockingham 
county, Virginia, and a (.laughter of Henry Cowen, who was supposed 
to be of German birth. Mr. and Mrs. Pickering became the parents 
of six children, all of whom grew to years of maturity and were married. 

R. H. Pickering, the only living representative oi this once large 
family, was about twelve years ol age when he accompanied his parents 
on their removal to Adams township, Champaign count}', and in its 
primitive schools of that day he received the educational advantages which 
he was permitted to enjoy in his youth. At the age of twenty-one years 
he began working for wages' and for the following seven years 
he was engaged in the work of constructing pike roads and in clearing 
land. On the expiration of that period he had saved sufficient means to 
purchase a quarter section of land in Adams township, which he cleared 
and improved, and as the years have passed by he has added to his orig- 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 677 

inal purchase until lie is now the owner of two hundred and eighty acres 
of rich and productive land. His life is indeed a success, but all his 
achievements are the result of patient effort, unflagging industry and 
perseverance. In 1899 he retired from the farm and in now spending 
his time in ease and quiet at his pleasant home in Rosewood, surrounded 
by the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. 

In the year 1862 Air. Pickering was united in marriage to Miss 
Sarah Jane Archer, a native of Logan county, Ohio, of which locality 
her paternal grandfather was one of the first settlers. She is a daughter 
of John and Elizabeth (Scraway) Archer, the latter a native of Indiana. 
They became the parents of twelve children, Airs. Pickering being the 
-eighth in order of birth. The marriage of our subject and wife has 
been blessed with one son, Byron, who now carries on the work of the 
old Pickering homestead. The character and position of our subject 
illustrate most clearly the fact that if a young man be possessed of the 
proper attributes of mind and heart he can unaided attain to a position 
of precedence and gain for himself a place among the men of ability 
and worth in his community. 



HON. CLARENCE B. HEISERAIAX. 

No compendium such as the province of this work defines in its 
essential limitations will serve to offer fit memorial to the life and accom- 
plishments of the honored subject of this sketch, — a man remarkable in 
the breadth of his wisdom, in his indomitable perseverance, his strong 
individuality, and yet one whose entire life has not one esoteric phase. 
being an open scroll, inviting the closest scrutiny. True, his have been 
'•massive deeds and great" in one sense, and yet his entire life accom- 
plishment but represents the result of the lit utilization of the innate talent 



678 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

which is his, and the directing of his efforts in these lines where mature 
judgment and rare discrimination lead the way. There is in Judge 
Heiserman a weight of character, a native sagacity, a far-seeing judg- 
ment and a fidelity of purpose that commands the respect of all. A 
man of indefatigable enterprise and fertility of resource, he has carved 
his name deeply on the record of the political, commercial and profes- 
sional history of the state, which owes much of its advancement to his 
efforts. 

Hon. Clarence Benjamin Heiserman is a native of Urbana, Ohio, 
born September 18, 1862. his parents being Aaron and Maria L. 1 Stuart) 
i [eiserman, the former of German and the latter of Scotch descent. I he 
father was born in Mahoning county, Ohio, a son of Goetlebb Heiser- 
man, who came from Germany to America accompanied by his wife and 
several children. He took up his abode in Mahoning county near Xew 
Lisbon, in [825, and five years later removed to Crawford county, Ohio, 
where he purchased a farm, residing thereon until [865. In that year 
he removed to Iowa, where he remained until his death. 

Aaron Heiserman was the youngest of his parents' children and the 
only one of them horn in America. He lived with his parents on the 
home farm until he reached his majority and in the meantime learned 
the carriage making trade. When he started out m life on his own ac- 
count he began working at that trade, and in [858 secured a position in 
that line in Urbana. A few years later he became propriel >r oi a car- 
riage manufactory and built up a large business. Ik- was rapidly ac- 
cumulating wealth when about 1879 a disastrous lire occurred and de- 
stroyed his factory am! stock, which being uninsured largely crippled him 
financially. However, he possessed much energy and determination and 
his activity was not slackened. \ficr the fire, however, his time and 
ntion were devoted to another pursuit, that of contracting and build- 



in which he met with a fair degree oi success, carrying on 



& 



( ipera- 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 679 

tions along that line of business until 1893. He was esteemed for his 
many excellent traits of character and honored for his genuine worth. 
In politics he was a Republican and he lived a consistent Christian life, 
as a member of the Methodist church. His wife, who bore the maiden 
name of Maria L. Stuart, was born in Urbana in 1838, a daughter of 
Isaac and Catherine (Dickey) Stuart, the former a native of Xew York 
and the latter of Pennsylvania. Her father was an early settler oi 
Champaign county, where he took up his abode in 1838 and here in Ur- 
bana he operated a woolen mill for several years, in 1866 he removed 
to Indiana, where he spent his remaining days. His ancestors had come 
to America during the colonial epoch in our country's history and settled 
in Massachusetts, while later they removed to Saratoga Springs. New 
\ ork. The grandfather of Mrs. Heiserman served in the war of [812. 
Mrs. Heiserman still survives her husband and is yet residing in the 
city ot her birth. By her marriage she became the mother of five chil- 
dren, one of whom died at the age of six years. The living are: Clar- 
ence B.. of this review : Edgar Stuart, a merchant of Springfield, Ohio; 
Mary Bertha, a teacher in the public schools of Urbana; and Ralph L., 
a student. The mother is a member of the First Methodist Episcopal 
church c f Urbana and her many sterling qualities of heart and mind have 
endeared her to a large circle of friends. 

Clarence B. Heiserman was horn and reared in the city which he yet 
makes his home, and in the public schools here acquired his early educa- 
tion, being graduated in the high school in 18711 when seventeen years 
of age. In the fall of 1880 he entered the Ohio Wesleyan University 
at Delaware and was graduated from that institution in 1884. after com- 
pleting the full college course. He won the degree of Bachelor of Arts, 
and spent the two succeeding years as a teacher in the high school of 
Urbana. during which time he devoted his leisure hours to the reading of 
law under the direction of the Hon. George M. Eichelberger, one of 



680 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

the ablest lawyers of the Ohio bar. He resigned his position as a teacher 
in order to enter the law office of Mr. Eichelberger and for one year gave 
his entire time to the mastery <>f the principles of jurisprudence. Passing 
a successful examination before the supreme court at Columbus, he was 
admitted to the bar in December, 1887. and at once began practice alone 
in his native city, although for a year his office was in connection with 
that of his former preceptor. Later he entered into partnership with the 
Hon. E. ! ; .. Cheney. In 1889 Mr. Heiserman was elected as the Repub- 
lican candidate to the office of prosecuting attorney of Champaign county 
and discharged his duties so successfully that he was re-elected in iNo_>. 
His excellent service in the office was appreciated by the people and 
enlarged the boundaries of his usefulness, so that in 1804 he was called 
by popular suffrage of the people to preside in the court of common pleas 
for the second subdivision of the second judicial district, to which posi- 
tion he was elected in November of that year. He then resigned the 
office of prosecuting attorney to accept the new position, his incumbency 
continuing for live years. He was one of the youngest men ever chosen 
to the office of common pleas judge in Ohio, but being a careful student 
of the law and well grounded in its fundamental principles he discharged 
his duties with notable capability, and to the satisfaction of the public, 
as was manifest in his re-election in 1809 for a second term. After 
two years bad passed he resigned or the 5th of September, 1901. having 
three more years to serve. He left the office, however, to accept the 
position of solicitor for the Pennsylvania railroad lines west of Pittsburg 
of the sixth division, — a position made vacant by the death of the Hon. 
Frank Chance. In connection with his duties in this regard Judge 
Heiserman resumed the general practice of law. During the years of 
bis professional career he has gained a most excellent reputation, both at 
the bar and on the bench, and in every position which he has been called 
upon to fill he lias served with marked credit and ability. He is a man 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 68 1 

of judicial cast. His decisions indicated strong mentality, careful analy- 
sis, a tli. >r< >ugh knowledge of law and an unbiased judgment. The judge, 
im the bench fails more frequently, perhaps, from a deficiency in that 
broad-mindedness which not only comprehends the details of a situation 
quickly, hut that insures a complete self-control under even the most 
exasperating conditions, than from any other cause; and the judge who 
makes a success in the discharge of his multitudinous delicate duties is a 
man of well-rounded character, finely-balanced mind and of splendid 
intellectual attainments. That Judge Heiserman was regarded as such 
a jurist is a uniformly accepted fact. 

In October, 1890, Judge Heiserman was married to Miss Lillian M. 
Lbown. of South Charleston. ( Ihio, and their home is brightened by the 
presence of a little son. Robert Brown, now four years oi age. The 
parents hold membership in the First Methodist Episcopal church, and the 
Judge is serving as a member of the official board and has been superin- 
tendent of the Sunday-school tor die past six years, taking a very active 
pail in all branches of the church work. Fraternally he is connected 
with Champaign Lodge. No. 525, F. i\- A. M., and Urbana Chapter. No. 
34. R. A. M. Politically he has ever maintained an unflagging interest 
in the welfare of the Republican party and socially he is one of the most 

o impanionable of men ; is unassuming and courteous in manner : is a g 1 

conversationalist, and equally as good a listener. 



MARTIN B. S \XBE. 

Among those who have honored Champaign county by efficient 
service in important public office is the subject of this -ketch, who was 
formerly incumbent of the office of sheriff and who is a member ol 



682 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

one of the stanch pioneer families of the enmity, where he is known as 
one of the progressive farmers and representative citizens. 

Martin Bowen Saxbe was born on the old homestead, in Union 
township. Champaign county, on the 14th of March, 1855, being a son 
of Thomas Saxbe, who was born in England and who severed the ties 
which bound him to home and native land and as a mere boy of thirteen 
years emigrated to America, paying his passage by working on the vessel 
on which he made the voyage, and landing in New York City in due 
d irirse 1 if time. There he grew to maturity and there married Miss Lucy 
Bowen, who was horn in the state of Xew York. They removed to 
Champaign county in the early days, and here the father was engaged in 
farming until his death, in i860, our subject being about five years of 
age at the time. The mother survived him by many years, passing away 
at the age of about three score years and ten. Of their five children 
three grew to years of maturity, our subject having been the fourth in 
older of birth. Thus deprived of a father's care in his early boyhood, 
Martin B. Saxbe was early thrown on his own resources, working for his 
board on various farms in the locality and attending the district schools 
as opportunity afforded. His life was thus far from auspicious in its 
conditions in his boyhood ciavs, but he early developed that self-reliance 
and sturdv independence which have been the conservators of his suc- 
cess and which have combined with an inflexible integrity to gain and 
retain to him the highest measure of confidence and esteem. Mr. Saxbe 
worked at farming in this county until he had attained years of maturity, 
and also became quite expert at the carpenter's trade. He finally went 
to Livingston county, Xew York, where he followed this trade about four 
months, at the expiration of which he returned to Champaign county and 
engaged in farming, taking charge of the farm of his stepfather, Warren 
Freeman, and thus continuing to devote his attention to agricultural pur- 
suits until his election to the office of sheriff, in 1888. when he took up 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 683 

his resilience in Urbana. lie was chosen as his own successor in 1890, 
and served for another term of two years, and then served as deputy 
sheriff under R. X. Miller for three years and nine months, when he 
resigned. At this time Governor Bushnell conferred upon him the posi- 
tion of captain of the day guard of the < )hio state penitentiary, at Colum- 
bus, an incumbency which he retained for four years. Mr. Saxbe then 
returned to Champaign county and took up his residence on the farm 
which he now owns and occupies, the same being located in section 14, 
Urbana township, and comprising one hundred and sixty acres of finely 
improved land, the greater portion of which is under a high state of 
cultivation, while he also devotes no little attention to the raising of live 
stock of the best grade. Mr. Saxbe is a thoroughly capable and pro- 
gressive business man. and his success is the more gratifying to con- 
template when we advert to the fact that it is entirely the result of his 
own efforts. He started out as a poor hoy, his advantages were ex- 
tremely limited, and yet he has not only overcome the obstacles which 
beset his path, but has gained a high reputation as a man of ability and 
indubitable probity, his discharge of his official duties bringing to him 
the maximum commendation, while in his business enterprises he has 
shown the same fidelity and has followed a straightforward course at all 
times, lie has been a stalwart supporter of the Republican party from 
the time of attaining his majority, and prior to his election to the office 
01 sheriff, and while residing in. Union township, he served as a mem- 
ber of the constabulary of the county. His religious faith is that of 
the Methodist Episcopal church, and both he and his wife are members 
ot (irace church, in the city of Urbana. Fraternally he is identified with 
Harmony Lodge. Xo. 8. A. F. & A. M., of that city. In addition to 
his farming interests Mr. Saxbe is the owner of the Palace Hotel, at 
Urbana and is a stockholder in the Urbana National Bank, of whose 
directorate he was a memher until his removal to Columbus. He was 



684 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

at one time interested in a shoe business in Mechanicsburg, and at the 
present time is associated with his son Harry M. in the electric-light 
contracting- business, the firm having taken contracts for the installation 
of a number of excellent lighting plants in this section of the state, and 
having made the enterprise one of importance. 

Mr. Saxbe has been twice married. His first union was solemnized 
in 1875. when Miss Bettie J. Woody became his wife. She died leaving 
four children. — Harry M., Nettie B.. Lydia S. and Joseph W. On the 
_i sv of November, 1893. Mr. Saxbe was united in marriage t<> Miss 
Mary Staub, who was born in Greenville, Illinois, the daughter of John 
W. and Susan (Black) Staub, being the youngest of their three chil- 
dren. Her mother died when she was but eleven months of age and she 
was reared in the home of her uncle. Mr. and Mrs. Saxbe are the 
parents of two children, — Howard M. and Marvin. 



JOXAS LOUDENBACK. 

fonas Loudenback is one of the old and prominent settlers of Mad 
River township and it was here that his birth occurred, his natal day being 
January 29, 1816. His father, Daniel Loudenback, was born in Page 
ci -imty, Virginia, October 2, 1786, and when a young man came to Cham- 
paign o iunty, ( )hii >. being one of the first settlers within its borders. He 
was married in Mad River township and took up his abode in the midst 
of the green woods, where he built a log cabin and lived in true pioneer 
style. Venison furnished many a meal for the early settler-, for deer 
were verv plentiful. There wer-e many wild animals and Indians were 
numerous in the neighborhood. He died in his eighty-ninth year in the 
faith of the Baptist church, of which he had long been a member. His 



CEXTEXXIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 685. 

political support was given to the Democracy. His father was of Ger- 
man descent and died in Virginia. The mother of our subject bore the 
maiden name of Mary Pence and was also a native of the Old Dominion, 
whence siie came to Champaign county during her girlhood days. Her 
father, Abraham Pence, was one of the early settlers of the county and 
established his home in the midst of the forest, where he developed a 
farm. Mrs. Loudenback reached a very advanced age. passing away in 
her ninety-sixth year. By her marriage she became the mother of two 
sons and two daughters: Allen; Sarah; Betsey, the wife of William 
Baker, of Shelby county; and Jonas, of this review. 

Our subject was the second son and third child. He was born in, 
a little log cabin in which his parents lived in Mad River township, and 
was educated in a log school house, seated with slab seats and supplied 
with other primitive furniture. During the summer months he assisted 
in the work of the fields, aiding in the plowing, planting and harvest- 
ing. In 1837 ne was united in marriage to Phoebe Jenkins and unto 
them were born two children, but both are now deceased. The mother 
also passed away and for his second wife Mr. Loudenback chose Susan 
Snyder. Unto them were born three children: David, the eldest, was 
born in Mad River township, March 3, 1843. was reared upon his 
father's farm and pursued his education in the common schools. He 
married and has five children living: Edgar and Edna; Walter, who 
married Daisy Adlar, of Westville; Frank and Wilbur. Carrie, sister 
of David, died at the age of three years. Mary Jane, youngest of her 
father's three children, is the wife of Arthur Pence, of Shelby county, 
Ohio, and they were the parents of eleven children, of whom tour are 
deceased. Those still living are Webster, James \\ .. Edward, Walter, 
llattie. Susan and Daisy. Sarah became the wife of Isaac Smith and 
died leaving six children: Susan, Earl, Ernest. Carrie, now deceased,. 
Willard and Burton. 



■686 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

In the year of his marriage Mr. Loudenback located on a farm where 
he now resides. He is one of the oldest earl}- settlers of the township, 
having passed the eighty-sixth milestone on life's journey. Both he and 
his wife are members of the Baptist church, with which they have long 
been connected, and he has always been a supporter of the Democratic 
party, his first vote having been cast for Martin Van Buren in 1837, 
when he was twenty-one years of age. He has never failed to vote at 
a presidential election since that time. Throughout his entire business 
career he has carried on tanning, and as the years have passed he has 
made the most of his opportunities. Now, in his declining days, he 
can look hack without regret and forward to the future without fear, for 
his has been an honorable and upright life, winning for him the esteem 
and confidence of his fellow men. He has witnessed almost the entire 
growth and development of the county, has seen it mature from prim- 
itive conditions to take its place among leading counties of the common- 
wealth: lias seen its wild lands transformed into beautiful homes and 
farms an,] at all times has borne his part in the work of progress and 
improvement, and well does he deserve to he numbered among the pioneer 
residents of Champaign county. 



EBENEZER \\ TLSOX. 

Alan's usefulness in the world is judged by the good that he has 
done, and determined by this standard of measurement Ebenezer Wil- 
son occupies a position among the most prominent citizens of Champaign 
county. I lis life- has been noble and upright, one over which falls no 
shadow nf wrong; and long after lie shall have passed away his memory 
will remain as a blessed benediction to those who knew him. 



CEXTEX.XIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 6$r 

A native of this county, being born in Harrison township, March 
jo, iSji. he has passed his entire life in this county with the exception 
of a few months, and is therefore well known to his neighbors, ami dur- 
ing all these years he has steadily maintained his high character. His 
paternal grandfather. Miles Wilson, was a native of Virginia, but in 
an early day removed to Washington county, Pennsylvania, there locat- 
ing on a farm, where he died shortly after his arrival. His son, Joseph 
Wilson, became the father of our subject. He was burn in Washing- 
ton county, Pennsylvania, in 1792, and was there married in Eleanor 
Fullerton, also a native of that commonwealth. Shortly after marriage 
they came to Champaign count}-. Ohio, in 1817, locating on one hun- 
dred and sixty acres of land in Harrison township, which he cleared and 
improved, and there he was engaged in farming and stock-raising until 
his life's labors were ended in death. In political matters he supported 
the Whig party until the nomination of Fremont, and from that time 
on was a stanch Republican. Mrs. Wilson was called to her final rest 
in 1832, passing away in Champaign county, after becoming the mother 
of eight children. In the following year, in [833, Mr. Wilson was 
united in marriage to Vmanda Spencer. l>v whom he had seven chil- 
dren, of whom four are now living, and our subject was the third child 
of the first family. The father passed to his final reward in August, 
1866, after a long and useful career. 

Ebenezer Wilson, of this review, was about twenty-one years oi 
age when he entered upon the battle of life on his own account, work- 
as a farm laborer from August until the following April. For the 
iiext two years he tanned on rented land 'on Puck creek, south of UY- 
bana, and from that time until November, 1853, he resided on rented 
farms in Salem and Harrison townships, since which time he has 1 iccupied 
his present place. From early morn until dewy eve he worked to 
and develop his land, and in the course of time Jus labors were rewarded 



688 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

with bounteous harvests. He has experienced all the trials and hard- 
ships of pioneer life, but at length his efforts have been crowned with 
success and there has come to him a handsome property as the reward 
of his labors. As the years have passed by he has added to his original 
purchase of one hundred and thirty acres until his landed possessii ins now 
consist of two hundred and seventy-five acres, all of which is under 
an excellent state of cultivation, and the many and substantial improve- 
ments thereon stand as monuments to his thrift and ability. 

In Salem township, in 1847, ^ r - Wilson was united in marriage 
to Luanda Muzzy, a native daughter of Champaign county, and here 
she has spent her entire life. Her father was a native of Vermont and 
her mother of Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have had nine children, 
namely: Eleanor, Horace and Joseph, deceased; Henry P. and Jennie, 
at home: Frank, Lucinda and Mary, also deceased: and Nellie, at home. 
All were born in Champaign county. The family are members of the 
Presbyterian church at Urbana, in which they are earnest and efficient 
workers. Politically Mr. Wilson affiliates with the Republican party, 
un<\ for eight years he was the efficient infirmary director, while for a 
long period he has held other township offices. Wherever known he- 
is held in high regard, and in Champaign county, where his entire life 
has been passed, he has a host of warm friends. 



JOHN C. NORMAN. 

One of the prominent and successful agriculturists of Champaign 
county is the gentleman whose name introduces this paragraph and 
who is a representative of one of the sterling pioneer families of this 
section of the old Buckeve commonwealth. His finely improved farm- 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 689 

stead is located in Johnson township and gives unmistakable evidence of 
the energy, discrimination and progressive methods which have been 
brought to bear by the enterprising owner, who has clearly demonstrated 
that it is possible to make farming a distinctively successful and profitable 
business enterprise. 

Mr. Norman was born on a farm in Concord township, this county, 
on the 22d of January. 1843. being the son of Gabriel Norman, who 
was born in the same township, on the 6th of June. 1814, the son of 
Christian Norman, who was born in Rockingham county, Virginia, prior 
to the segregation of Page county from the same, and there he was 
reared to maturity. There he was united in .marriage to Miss Mary 
Zimmerman, and there occurred the birth of one of their children. Savilla, 
who was about one rear old at the time when they emigrated to Ohio 
and became numbered among- the earliest settlers of Champaign county. 
They came here about the year 1805, and located in the virgin forests 
of Concord township, where the grandfather of our subject took up a 
tract of one hundred and sixty acres of government land, clearing the 
same and making improvements, including the eventual erection of a 
brick house, one of the first of the sort in this section. Christian and 
Mary Norman became the parents of nine children, all of whom were 
born in this county with the exception of the eldest, to whom reference 
has already been made, die names of the children being as follows: 
Savilla. Benjamin, Leanna, Sarah. Gabriel, Betsy, Lemuel. Lydia and 
one who died in infancy. All are now deceased. The father was 
a wag' nmaker by trade, but devoted the greater portion of his life to agri- 
cultural pursuits and was one of the honored pioneers of this county, to 
whose early development lie contributed a due quota. 

Gabriel Norman, the father of our subject, was bom on the old 
homestead in Concord township, and was there reared to the sturdy 
discipline of the pioneer farm, early beginning to aid in the work of 



690 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

reclamation and cultivation and receiving such educational advantages 
as were afforded in the primitive log school houses of the pioneer epoch. 
Upon attaining his legal majority he gave inception to his independent 
career, engaging in farming in his native township and there establish- 
ing a home. On the 24th of November, 1839, he was united in mar- 
riage to Rebecca Brubaker. who was born in this county, July 12, 1821, 
and who has here passed her entire life, having now attained a venerable 
age and retaining the affection of a wide circle of friends. Her husband 
passed away November 17, 1899, at the advanced age of eighty-five 
yeats, five months and eleven clays. They became the parents o\ six 
children, namely: Harriet, who is deceased; John C, who is the sub- 
ject of this sketch; .Mary F... who resides in Millerstown; Samuel B., 
who is deceased; L. Monroe, who is a resident of Millerstown; and 
Clara Etta, who is deceased. Gabriel Norman was originally an old- 
line Whig in his political proclivities, but he identified himself with the 
Republican party at the time of its organization and ever afterward was 
a stalwart advocate of its principles and policies, having never missed 
casting his vote at a presidential election from the time ol attaining his 
majority until his death. He was a man who commanded unequivocal 
confidence and esteem, was strung in his convictions and was one who 
achieved success through his own efforts, while he will long be remem- 
bered as one of the worthy citizens of the count}' where he passed his 

and useful life. 

John t . Norman, to whom this sketch is dedicated, was reared on 
the parental farmstead, in Concord township, in whose public schools he 
received bis educational training, 30 profiting by the advantages afforded 

' become eligible for teaching. For five years he was a successful 
and popular teacher in the district schools of Adams and Johnson town- 
ships, and he made an excellent record in connection with his pedag >gic 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 69 r 

work. He had devoted one year to tanning- in his native township, and 
in 1868 lie located in Millerstown, this county, where he engaged in the 
mercantile business, conducting a general store and successfully continu- 
ing the enterprise until 1886, when he disposed of the same and located 
on his present farm, which comprises sixty acres and which has the best 
of impr ivements and is under a line state of cultivation. 

Air. Norman has taken an abiding interest in all that concerns the 
well-being of his county and state, and he has been one of the prominent 
supporters of the Republican party here, having been for ten vears a 
member of the county central committee. He has been secretary of the 
Spring Grove Cemetery Association from the time of its organization 
and for about eighteen years he has been a member of the directorate of 
the First National Bank of St. Paris. He holds the unqualified con- 
fidence of the people of the community and has been called upon to serve 
as administrator of several estates, being known as a man of marked 
business capacity and inrlexihle integrity in all the relations of life. His 
home farm is but a small portion of his landed estate in the county, for 
he is the owner of four hundred and twenty-seven acres and the greater 
portion of the same is under most effective cultivation, the farms re- 
ceiving his personal supervision and yielding excellent returns. 

On the 17th of March, 1868, in Concord township. Mr. Norman was 
united in marriage to Miss Mary A. Pence, who was born in this county 
and here reared and educated. Her father, the late Jonathan Pence, was 
a native of Concord township, this county and was a son of David Pence, 
who came from Virginia to Ohio and became one of the first settlers in 
Champaign county. The mother of Mrs. Norman bore the maiden name 
of Mahala Comer, and she likewise was horn in this county, a representa- 
tive of another of the prominent pioneer families. Mrs. Norman was 
the only child. Our subject and his wife have had two children, namely: 

Maude, born May 15, 1873, wn " ' s tne w ' ie ot * McClellan Frank, a sue- 
37 



692 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

Ful farmer of Concord township; and Charles, who was born June 28, 
1876, and died on the 22d of the following November. They have one 
grandchild, John Warren Norman, born July 8, 1890. 



WILLIAM II. WILSON. 

A mans life work is the measure of his success, and he is the 
most truly successful man who, turning his powers into the channel of 
an honorable purpose, accomplishes the object of his endeavor. The 
subject of this review is one of that sterling class of men whose attention 
is devoted to the agricultural industry, and he has contributed to the 
development and advancement of his native county, as did also his father 
and grandfather before him. from which fact it may be inferred that our 
subject is a representative of one of the honored pioneer families of 
( hampaign county. 

William Hamilton Wilson was born in Harrison township, this 
county, on the 27th. of February, 1851, being the son of Andrew Wil- 
w ho likewise was a native of the count}-, having been born in Ur- 
bana town-hip in tlir year 1813. When he was three years of age his 
Us removed to Harrison township, but about a vear later they re- 
turned to Urbana township, and he lias ever since maintained his home 
on hi- present farm, having m w attained the venerable age of eighty- 
eight years. Mis father, William Wilson, was born in Ireland, whence 
he came with his parents to America when about thirteen years of age, 
the family locating in Virginia, from which slate he came to Ohio in 
the early pioneer epoch, locating in Champaign county, where he passed 
the remainder of his life, as did also his wife, whose maiden name was 
Rebecca Humphrey, she also having come from Ireland with her parents 



CEXTEXXIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 693 

when about three years of age. Andrew Wilson married Elizabeth J. 
Wright, who was born in Virginia and who came with her parents to 
Ohio when about fourteen years of age. She died at the age of sixty- 
four years, having been a noble and devoted woman. Her father. Ben- 
jamin Wright, was likewise born in Virginia, where the family was 
established in the colonial period of our national history. Andrew and 
Elizabeth J. Wilson became the parents of four sons and six daughters, 
all but one of whom attained years of maturity, the subject of this sketch 
having been the third in order of birth, lie was reared to the discipline 
of the farm and is indebted to the district schools for the early educa- 
tional advantages which came to his pi rtion in his boyhood days, and 
this was supplemented by a thorough course in the normal school at 
Urbana, where he ably qualified himself for pedagogic work, devoting 
his attention to teaching fur a period of fourteen years and being very 
successful in this profession, his entire career as a teacher having been 
in connection with the schools of onh fi ur districts, showing that his 
services and abilities were duly appreciated. 

On the 24th of August, [876, Mr. Wilson was united in marriage 
to Miss Tillie Heath, who was born in Concord township, this county, 
on the 31st of December, 1858. being the daughter of James W. and 
Nancy Heath, who were early settlers in the county. Mrs. Wilson was 
educated in the schools of this county and is a talented artist, having 
produced many attractive pictures in both oils and water-colors. Our 
subject and his wife have no children. 

Mr. Wilson continued to reside in Harrison township until [892, 
when he removed to Concord township, where he was engaged in farm- 
ing until [895, when he removed to Marion county, Kan-.!--, where he 
made his home about three years, then returning to Concord township, 
Champaign county, where he purchased the old homestead of his father- 
in-law, of which he disposed in 1901. and then purchased his present fine 



694 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

farmstead, of eighty acres, in Urbana township, the place being equipped 
with the best of permanent improvements and being under a high state 
of cultivation. Mr. Wilson is progressive and discriminating in his 
methods, and thus secures the best possible results from his farm, which 
is one of the attractive places of this section. In politics he has given 
an unequivocal support to the Republican party from the time of attain- 
ing his majority, and he was twice elected to the office of trustee of 
Concord township, while for two years he served as assessor of Harrison 
township. Fraternally he is identified with West Liberty Lodge. No. 
96, I. O. O. F. 



JONATHAN S. NEEK. 

On the roll of Champaign county's respected and leading citizens is 
found the name of Jonathan S. Neer, who for many years has been act- 
ively connected with the agricultural interests of Goshen township. He 
was born in Clark count}-. Ohio, March 25, 1851, and his father Joseph 
C. Neer. was also a native of that county. In 1868 the latter took up his 
almde in Champaign county, and in the following spring he located on a 
farm in < roshen township, where he made his home until about 1884. In 
that year he left his Ohio home and went to Kentucky, but after a resi- 
dence in that state of seven years he returned to bis former home. His 
death occurred on the 25th of May, 1902. He was a successful farmer, 
a life-long member of the Methodist Protestant church ; a loyal soldier 
and a prominent member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and he 
passed into eternal rest while attending the memorial services at Mechan- 
icsburg. While yet a resident of Clark county Mr. Neer was united in 
marriage to Dorothy Smith. Her father, James Smith, came from Penn- 
sylvania to the Buckeye state in a very early day, locating on a farm in 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 695 

Pleasant township. J. C. Neer's mother, who bore the maiden name of 
Sarah Coffey, was the first while female child born in Pleasant township, 
Clark county, the date of her nativity being May 29, 1808. Her death 
occurred on the 16th of August. 1887. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Xeer were 
born eight children, live sons and three daughters, namely : Jonathan S., 
the subject of this review; Maggie, win- is still unmarried: Charles, de- 
ceased; Frank, deceased: Albert K., who resides in Mechanicsburg ; Fred, 
also of Champaign county; Maud, at home; and Mettie, the wife of J. E. 
Whitemore, of Tawas City. Michigan. 

Jonathan S. Xeer was but seventeen years of age when he came with 
his parents to Champaign county, and in addition to attending the district 
schools of Clark and Champaign counties he was also a student in the 
Lebanon Normal School for a time. After putting aside hi, text-books 
to engage in the active duties of life he chose the occupation to which he 
had been reared, and throughout his life has followed the tilling of the 
soil. After farming for a time on rented land he accumulated sufficient 
means to purchase a tract of one hundred and seventy acres in Goshen 
township and as the years passed by he has added to his original pur- 
chase until he is now the owner of a valuable homestead of two hundred 
acres, located in the eastern part of Goshen township. In addition to the 
raising of cereals best adapted to this soil and climate he is also exten- 
sively engaged in the dairy business, usually keeping about thirty cows, 
and he makes a specialty of this branch of industry. 

Mr. Neer was married on the 28th of October. 1875, to Emma Dar- 
ling, of Mechanicsburg. She is a daughter of 1. S. and Sarah ( kiddle) 
Dai ling, respected old settlers of Champaign county. Prior to her mar- 
riage she was a prominent and successful school teacher in Mechanics- 
burg for four years. Six children have come to brighten and bless their 
borne, namely: Ethel, who was born October 14. 1877. and Dorothy, 
born May 25, 1879. are both preparing for the nurse's profession in a 



• 



ogo CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

training school in Cincinnati; Frank, born July [9, [882, died May 24, 
10; Charles, born April 3, 1884, is a member of the Mechanicsburg 
high school; Alice F., born June 25, [891, is at home; and Dorris, th 
youngest of the family, was born November 8, [894. .Mr. Acer gives 
his political support to the Prohibition party ami is very active in its 
work, lie is also an active worker for the cause of education, having 
served as president of the school board for many years, and lie has served 
also a^ president of the Farmers institute at Mechanicsburg. Ill- 
relations connect him with the Knights of Honor, and religiously he is 1 
member of the Methodist Protestant church. 



DAVID O'BRINE, M. D. 

Dr. O'Brine, one ol the leading physicians and surgeons of Urbana, 
was born in the southwest of Ireland. November 17. iS.<u. his parents 
being Michael and Mary (Dillon) O'Brine, who emigrated to the United 
Stales when the Doctor was only a young child. For fifteen or twenty 
years the father was engaged in superintending the construction of public 
works, mainly of railroad bridges, and finalh he 1' cited not far 
Lansing, Michigan, upon a farm. The Doctor was then about sixteen or 
seven is 1,1 age. Prior to this time he had receive! fair educa- 

tional advantages, in Troy. Xew York, and in Bellevue, Huron county, 
Ohio. A fter the removal to the farm he assisted in its ca ultivation 

until about twenty-four years of age, devoting his time through the 
winter months to the teaching of countrj schools of Michigan. At the 
air he came to ( Hum and taught one term of school 
Mason county. lie then went to the Ohio Central Normal 
Worthington, where he was graduated in [876. He afterward 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 697 

accepted a position of professor oi natural science, remaining in that insti- 
tute m fi ir a year and then resigned. I Ie was superintendent 1 >l the schi n >ls 
at Canal Winchester [or one year and then entered the state university oi 
Ohio in the fall of 1877. After the .first year he managed to make his 
expenses for his collegiate course by teaching in the university and was 
graduated there in t88i with the degree of bachelor of science. In 1882 
he took a post-graduate course in the university receiving the degree oi 
E. M. The following year, upon e: animation, he was made master oi 
science by Admin College, Michigan. For ten years he occupied the posi- 
tion of assistant professor of chemistry in the ( >hio State University and 
won the degree of M. 1 '. from the Columbus, now the Starling. Medical 
College of Columbus. ( 'hi. 1. This was in 1885. On examination and the 
presentation of a thesis the University of Wooster conferred upon him 
the degree of doctor of science. On leaving the Ohio State University 
he accepted the position of professor of chemistry and geology in the 
Agricultural College of ( olorado, but later resigned for the purpose oi 

;ar in the study of medicine and chemistry in Europe, to 
in Berlin the greater part of that time. He is the author of a vali 
work on chemistry entitled "A Laboratory Guide in Chemical Analysis," 
which was published by \\ iley & Son of New York in r888. This work 
is 11 »w being used as a text bo <k in some of the best educational institu- 
tii ms 1 if the a luntry. 

While in Colorado Dr. O'Brine made a valuable analysis of soils, 
referred to in a recent bull< Agricultural Experiment Station 

of the Agricultural College of Color; While abroad the D< 

visited many hospitals in the cities of Europe and entered the Berlin 
University, where he took a course in surgery under \ erman, a 

very noted physician and surgeon of that country. T enthehad 

practiced medicine in ( ol' rado, being frequent niltation. 

His study abroad made him «spe( sion and 



698 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

locating in Urbana in 1894 lie opened an office and has since risen to a 
position of distinction. As a medical and surgical practitioner of this 
state he now has a large and lucrative practice which is an indication of 
his superior skill. 

Jn [888 the Doctor was united in marriage to Miss Cinda Weaver, of 
Columbus, who at that time was a teacher of Latin and algebra in the high 
school of the capital city. The Doctor is a prominent Mason, having 
attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite. It would be almost 
tautological in this connection to enter into any series of statements as 
showing the Doctor to be a man of broad and general culture, information 
and public spirit, lor these have been shadowed forth between the line- of 
this review. The acquirement of his education largely through his own 
efforts indicated the elemental strength of his character. As an educator 
he steadily advanced until he ranks among those whose fame is not of a 
local character. In the medical fraternity he has won distinction which 
cannot be gained through purchase, influence or inheritance but comes as 
a direct result of superior knowledge, skill and zealous devotion to the 



calling. 



SIMEON D. FAIRCHILD. 

Simeon I). Fairchild, who for many year:, occupied a very con- 
spicuous place among the leading business men of Champaign county, 
was born near Woodstock, on the farm on which his widow now resides, 
on the 8th of August, 1837. His boyhood days were passed in the usual 
manner of farmer lads of that period, and he obtained a good practical 
education in the public schools of the locality. After his marriage he 

ed on a farm near Woodstock and there spent the remainder of his 
hie. fhroughout his active career he was prominently connected with 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 699 

the industrial interests of the county, and his course was that of an hon 
orable, enterprising' and progressive business man. whose well rounded 
character also enabled him to take an active interest in educational, social 

and moral affairs and to keep well informed concerning the momentous 
questions affecting the welfare of the nation. He was h, ,m .red with many 
prominent official positions, among which may be mentioned those oi 
vice-president of the Central Ohio Fair Association, president of the 
Woodstock Building & Loan Association and also president of the Li- 
brary Association of the same city. In 1874, in company with another 
gentleman, he went abroad to purchase horses, but on the return trip, the 
voyage being extremely rough for days and he having a weak heart, the 
action of the vessel intensified the weakness, and seven days after leaving 
port his life's labors were ended in death. He passed away on the 27th of 
September, 1S74, and his remains were buried at sea. A prominent repre- 
sentative of industrial interests, a popular factor in social life, a faithful 
friend, a kind husband and a consistent Christian, he left behind him an 
untarnished record. 

On the 24th of February, 1859, Mr. Fairchild was united in mar- 
riage to Eliza A. Burnham, a daughter of Jacob Burnham and a grand- 
daughter of Fliphas Burnham. The family is of English descent and was 
founded in this country by three brothers, who after their arrival on 
American soil located in Xew England. Eliphas Burnham was born in 
Connecticut, and was there married, November 25, 1703. to Lydia Smith. 
Prior to 1820 he came with his wife and children to Ohio, locatini 
Union county, near the Champaign county line, and the journey to this 
state was made with teams and wagons, lie here purchased a new and 
unimproved farm, and on the homestead which lie improved he pa 
away in death in 1821, at the age of fifty-seven years, while his wife was 
called to her final rest in the following year. 1N22. at the age oi 1 
nine years. Of their eight children, two sons and six daughters, all were 



/oo CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

probably born in Connecticut, and were named as follows: Jacob; 
Zalenda, who became the wife of James Miller; Lorinda, who married 
Elba Burnham; ( Irilla, who became the wife of Sumner Payne; Juliette, 
who was married to John Reed; Lydia Ann, who was first married to 
Elias Hathaway and afterward to Samuel Woods; and Nancy M., who 
never married. All arc now deceased. 

racob Burnham, the eldest son in the above family, married Eliza 
Meachem, and afterward located on the old homestead farm with his 
bn ther Eliphas, where lie remained until his death. The brothers carried 
on the w * irk of the farm together during their life time. They were pr< >m- 
mently and widely known throughout the count}', and in business they 
sustained an enviable reputation, for in them were embraced the char- 
acteristics of unbending integrity, unabating energy and industry that 
never flagged. Unto Jacob and Eliza t Meachem) Burnham, were born 
four children. — Nicholas H. ; Albert, deceased; Hiram G., deceased; 
and Eliza A., widow of Simeon D. Fairchild. Jacob Burnham, who 
was born on the 27th of ( fctober, 1704, died on the 23d of April, 1866, 
while his wife survived until August 30, r886, away at the age 

01 eighty- four years and three months. Both were members of the 
Woodstock Universalis! church, in which they were active workers, and 
they exemplified its helpful teachings in their everyday lives. The father 
1 I »e Bible student, and during his life he read that sacred book 
through many times. He was a Whig in political matters until the forma- 
Lepublican party, after which he gave a lo; ■ irl to its 

principles. 

Eliphas Burnham married Lydia Meachem, a sister of Mrs. I 
Burnham, their wedding I celebrated on the 3d of |ulv, [820, and 

their union was blessed with eight children, as follow-: Betsey, who be- 
' the wife of George Thomas, Harvey; Andrew; Marcia, who mar- 
ried George Morse; Ralph; Dorcas; Lucas; and Jared. All are now de- 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 701 

ceased with the exception of Andrew and Marcia. Mr. and Mrs. Burn- 
ham were also exemplary members of the Universalist church. The 
mother, who was born on the 14th of June, 1796, was called to the home 
beyond April 8. (8 ;\ ind the father died April 14, 1881. The same 
i'i' 'i sheltered these brothers throughout nearly their entire lives, and 
through tiie passing years they gained the unqualified confidence and re- 
spect of their fellow men. 



GEORGE A. WEAVER. 

< .e 1 j<- A. Weaver is a representative of one of the old and pioneer 
families of Champaign county. He is a son of Lemuel W., who was 
horn eight miles from Qrbana, July 17. 1808, and died in this city on the 
27th of January, 1890. The family is of German lineage and Henry W., 
the grandfather of our subject, was born in Berkeley county, Virginia. 
Later he became a resident of Lexington, Kentucky, ami then removed to 
Ohio in 1802. In the latter part of 1813 the family came t<> Urbana, the 
city having been founded eight years before. Here Henry Weaver en- 
gaged in the manufacture of boots and shoes until 1825. and then ex- 
tended the held of his operations by dealing in general merchandise. He 
was tax collector for several years and was a prominent and influential 
man, whose efforts along commercial lines and in the up-building and 

ress of Qrbana were most beneficial to the community. He died in 
L872, after seventy years residence in Champaign county. lib wife bore 
the maiden name of Nancy Chapman and was of English descent. She 
was born in Xew Jersey and was a daughter of William Chapman for 
m Chapman's Creek in Champaign county was named, lie having 
lived all :ng that stream. 

When twelve year- of age Lemuel Weaver was a studenl in the 



702 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

school conducted by Calvin Fletcher, afterwards a prominent and wealthy 
citizen of Indianapolis. Indiana. The last school which he attended was 
taught by Aquila Bolton, who later joined the Quaker community near 
Lebanon. In his youth Mr. Weaver became a clerk in his father's store 
and when the father withdrew in 1843 Mr. Weaver and his brothers, 
fason and Simeon, continued the business with which he was connected 
for many years. In 1855 the partnership was dissolved and the follow- 
ing year Lemuel Weaver entered into business relations with his brother 
Simeon as a general merchant. When three or four years had passed he 
went to Concord, New Hampshire, but at the expiration of two years re- 
turned to Urhana and opened a hardware store, however, disposing of 
his interests in this enterprise several years prior to his death. His poli- 
tical support was given to the Whig party in early life, while later he be- 
came a Republican. In 1832 he was a delegate to the Whig convention 
which met at Washington, D. C, and nominated Henry Clay as a candi- 
date for the presidency. In 1840 he gave his support to William Henry 
i farrison. He took an active interest in everything pertaining to the im- 
provement and progress of his community and at one time was secretary 
and treasurer of the Mad River & Lake Erie Railroad, which is now 
part of the Big Four railroad system. On the 21st of August, 1841, 
Lemuel Weaver married Elizabeth G. Hoyt, of Urhana. who was born in 
Maine, in the year 1816, and died on the 3rd of May, 1874. Both Mr. 
and Mrs. Weaver were members of the Presbyterian church and were 
people of the highest respectability. Their influence was marked as pro- 
moters of general progress along intellectual and moral lines and Mr. 
Weaver contributed in a large measure to the material up-building of his 
community. 

( >f the live children born unto this worthy couple George A. Weaver 
of Urbatia is the only one now living. His birth occurred in this city. 
May _'_', 1842, and here he pursued his preliminary education, which was 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 703 

supplemented by a course in Dartmouth College, in which he was grad- 
uated in 1863. He entered upon his business career in connection with 
his father, as a representative of merchandising interests, and afterward 
studied law, being admitted to the bar in 1869. He has not engaged in 
practice regularly, his attention being largely occupied by supervision of 
his real estate interests, which are extensive. He has alsu been identified 
with several e ctensive enterprises and is a man of resourceful business 
ability, who carries forward to successful completion whatever he under- 
takes. 

In 1875 Mr. Weaver married Miss Eleanor E. Thomas of New 
York, and they have two children, both of whom are in college. Mrs. 
Weaver is a leader in social circles and their attractive home is celebrated 
for its cordial h< ispitality. Mr. Weaver is a Presbyterian in religious faith 
and in politics he is a Republican. Notably prompt, energetic and re- 
liable in business matters, he has had marked influence upon the com- 
mercial progress of Urbana. In manner he is modest and unassuming, 
but from his friends he receives the recognition which is ever accorded to 
sterling worth and honor. 



♦ • » 



JOSEPH G. RUSSELL. 

In glancing at the more salient points in the genealogical history oi 
this able voting member of the bar of Champaign county, we find that 111 
the agnatic line he is descended from stanch English stock and that rep- 
resentatives of the name became identified with the annals of American 
history in the early colonial epoch, the original ancestors locating in the 
colon v of Massachusetts early in the seventeenth century, while the name 
later became prominently identified with the history of the states of Penn- 
sylvania and Virginia, our subject tracing his lineage back to Robert 



704 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

. Russell, who located in the Old Dominion in the year [776. The name 
has ever stood for strong intellectuality, marked probit) and intrinsic 
patriotism, and it is a matter of record that several members of the family 
rendered yeoman service in the Continental line during the war of the 
Revolutii hi. 

Joseph G. Russell, who is successfully engaged in the general prac- 
tice of law in the city of Urbana, is a native of this place, where he was 
born on the 15th of September. [875, the son of James M. and Elizabeth 
J. (McClellan) Russell. James Al. Russell was born likewise in Cham- 
paign county, Ohio, the son of Aaron and Tamzon Russell, the former of 
whom was born in Culpeper county. Virginia, a son of William Russell, 
who also was a native of the ( )ld Dominion and the son of James and 
Ann ( Heath ) Russell, the former of whom was a son of the Robert Rus- 
sell, who located in Virginia in 177*1. There are records extant which in- 
dicate that the first representative of the family in America came hither 
from England, settling in Salem. Later several members of the family 
Li ok up their abode in G mcord, that col. my. and in one 1 if the old cemeter- 
ies there may he found ancient tombs on which may still be deciphered the 
names of iineal and collateral brandies of the family of winch our subject 
1 a member. From Massachusetts went forth representatives of the fam- 
ily into New York lily and Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, from which 
county Robert Russell removed to Virginia, as has already been noted. 
\aron Russell, the grandfather of our subject, came to Champaign 
eount\, ( )liio, and settled in Concord township, where be devoted the re- 
mainder of his life to agricultural pursuits, developing a valuable farm 
and being recognized as one of the representative citizens of the county. 
llis son James M. was reared on the homestead farm, and received his 
educational discipline in his native county, lie was concerned in agri- 
culture in his early manhood, but eventually took up his residence in 
i rbana. where lie engaged in the dry-goods business, in which line he 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 705 

ie 1 operations for many year-, being one of the leading merch 
of the city and one of its mosl honored citizens. He is now living re- 
tired, after years of well directed and prolific effort as a business man. 
He v irtb in defense of the Union during- the war of the Rebel! 

serving three years, as a member of the One Hundred and Fifteenth 
Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and having been lieutenant and adjutant in 
ins company, lie and his wife still maintain their home in Urbana, 
where their friends are in number as their acquaintances. Mrs. Russell 
was born in i . Pennsylvania, being the daughter of Joseph and 

Ann (Cunningham) McClellan, who removed from Reading to Harris- 
burg, Pennsylvania, where they lived for man)- years. The McClellan 
family is of Scotch extraction and was founded in Pennsylvania prior to 
the war of the Revolution. The subject of this review is one of two 
children, his sister. Ruth, being the wife of Charles E. Kennedy, of 
Urbana. 

I :ph (i. Russell was reared in his native city, and was graduate:! 
in the Urbana high school as a member of the class of 1893. He then 
began his technical reading of law. continuing his studies for one year 
in Urbana and then taking a course of one year in the law department of 
the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, following thi- by attending 
the Cincinnati Law School for an equal period. He was admitted to the 
bar in [897, and was thereafter associated in practice with John J. Lee- 
dom, now deceased, I era! years in Michigan, lie has been en- 

gaged in practice at Urbana since his return and is known as one of the 
well qualified and successful young members of the bar of this section 
of the state. In politics Mr. Russell is a stalwart advocate of the prin- 
ciples of the Republican party, and he ha- been an active worker in its 
ranks. In December. [900, he was elected president of the Young Men's 
Republican Club, of Urbana, and is -till incumbent of this position. He 
is a member of no fraternal organizations, but is prominently identified 



■ o 



706 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

with the National Guard of Ohio, having been appointed sergeant-major 
of the Third Battalion of the Third Regiment, in April, 190T. He is a 
stockholder of the LTbana Baking Powder Company, of which he is 
vice-president. 



.MAJOR THOMAS McCONNELL. 

All who have a just regard for the memory of those who have 
departed this life must cherish the details which go to make up the 
history of those whose careers have been marked by uprightedness and 
truth and whose lives have been filled with usefulness. In a work which 
has to do with those who have lived and wrought to goodly ends in 
Champaign county, it is incumbent that a memoir be entered to Major 
McC'onnell, who was a valiant and loyal soldier during the Avar of the 
Rebellion and who was known and honored as one of the representative 
business men of Urbana. where he maintained his home until his death, 
on the 30th of September, 1901. When he thus passed to his reward 
the community mourned the loss of one of its noble-hearted, public- 
spirited and loyal citizens, for he was held in the highest regard by all 
who knew him, and his acquaintanceship was wide in this section of 
the state, where he had maintained his home for so many years. 

Major McC'onnell was born near Lebanon, Ohio, on the iSth of 
January, 1839, being a son of James McConnell, who was born in Berks 
county, Pennsylvania, being of stanch Scotch-Irish lineage. There he 
was married to Eleanor Murray, who was born in that county, being 
likewise of Scotch-Irish extraction, and they came to Ohio in an early 
day, locating in Warren county, and thence removing to Champaign 
county, where the father devoted the residue of his life to agricultural 
pursuits, passing away at the age of about seventy years, while his vile 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 707 

was about sixty-eight at the time of her demise. Both were devoted 
members of the Methodist Episcopal church and were folks of the mosl 
sterling character. The) became the parents of five sons and three 
daughters, all of whom attained years 01" maturity, the subject of this re- 
view having been the second in order of birth and the eldest son. I [e w as 
a lad of seven years at the time when his parents came to Champaign 
county, and his early educational privileges were such as were afforded 
in the district schools of the early days. IJe continued at the parental 
home until the dark cloud of civil war obscured the national horizon, 
when he was among- the first to show his intrinsic patriotism and loyalty, 
b) tend: ring- his services in support of the Union. 

Upon the first call for troops, in 1861, .Major McConnell enlisted as 
a private in Company K. Thirteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with 
which he served until the close of his term of enlistment, when he veter- 
anized, in 1862, promptly re-enlisting and becoming a private in Company 
\, Sixty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in which he was made a first 
lieutenant, later promoted to the office of captain and finally major of his 
regiment. He participated in many of the most notable battles of the 
war, having been in command of his regiment at the battle of Lookout 
Mountain and many other engagements, and having been identified with 
the entire Atlanta campaign. He was wounded at Chancellorsville, and 
1 ir a time was confined in the hospitals at Lookout Mountain and 1 
cinnati, Ohio, and had it not been for the resultant disability he would 
have been made colonel of his regiment. Majoi Mc< onnell served 
valiantly and honorably during practically the entire period of the war. 
and he received his honorable discharge on the 15th of July, 1865, after 
which he returned to Urbana, where he ever afterward maintained his 
home. In 1868 he was elected sheriff of Champaign county, and was in- 
cumbent n| this office for a period of four years, at the expiration of 
which he engaged in the li 1 business in which he con- 

38 



70S CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

tinued until his death, having built up a successful enterprise 
and having been one of the able business men of the city. In politics 
Major McConnell gave a stalwart support to the Republican party, in 
whose cause he was an active worker for many years, having been at one 
time a member of the state central committee. Fraternally he was one 
of the popular members of the Grand Army of the Republic, having held 
the various offices of hi-- post, and he was also identified with the Loyal 
Legion, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His religious 
faith was thai of the Presbyterian church, and he was a member of the 
building committee which had control of the erection <<i the present 
church edifice in Urbana. He was very public-spirited and liberal and 
ever read) to give his aid and influence in support of all measures ad- 
vanced for the general good of the community. He was a member of the 
soldiers" relief committee from the time of its organization, and knew 
every soldier in the county, his death being sincerely mourned by his 
old C! unrades. 

On the _'oth of June. \S66, Major McConnell was united in marriage 
to Mis- Margaret McDonald, who was born in Urbana. on the 26th of 
January, [843 the daughter of Colin and Nancy (McColloch) McDon- 
ald, the former of whom was born in Ross county, Ohio, and the latter 
in Zanesfield, Logan county. Mr. McDonald came to Urbana in an early 
day and was here for many years engaged in the general merchandise 
business, being one <<i the influential citizens of the county. He and his 
wife became the parents of five daughters and five sons, and it is a rather 
singular fact that the five daughters were born in succession and then the 
five -on- Mrs. Mc( onnell having been the fifth child and fifth daughter. 
Three oi her brothers and two of her sisters attained years of maturity, 
and of diese all are still living save one. 

Mr-. Mel onnell was 1 eared in Urbana, in whose public schools she 
received lie; educational discipline, ami here she has a wide circle of 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 709 

Friends many of whom she has known from her childhood days. She 
is a zealous worker in the Presbyterian church, of which she is a devoted 
member. By her marriage one son was born, ( i-e< irge, who is a native son 
of Urbana, where he was born on the [St of January, 1875. He com 
pleted a course of study in the high school and then entered the Eastman 
Business College, al Poughkeepsie, New York, where he completed a com- 
mercial course. In July, 189S, lie became secretary and superintendent 
of tile Urbana water-works, and has served in this position for nearly 
four years, while he also has the management of his mother's business 
interests. In politics lie is a Republican and fraternally he is identified 
with the .Masonic order and the Loyal Legion, being one of the popular 
and abh young business men of Urbana. 

In Mar, 1900, George McConnell was united in marriage to Miss 
Ida M. Stone, the daughter of S. L. P. and Julia (Geiger) Stone, of 
Urbana, where she was born, completing her education in the L'rbana 

University. 

*—* 

ISAAC P.. HAPPERSETT. 

One of the representative citizens and capable officials of Champaign 
county is Isaac P. Happersett. who has been a resident of the county 
from his childhood days. Mr. Happersett is of stanch old Pennsylvania 
German st,,ck and was the -on of William and Elizabeth ( Bruner) Hap- 
persett, who came from Lancaster county to Champaign county. Ohio, 
in the year [836, locating in Urbana, where the father was a pioneer 
physician, here continuing in the successful practice of hi- profession 
until his death, which occurred in 1854. His widow is still living and 
maintain- her home in Urbana. They became the parents of seven chil- 
dren, of whom only one is deceased. 



7 io CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

tsauc B. Happersett secured his early educational training in the 
public schools of Urbana and here he learned the trade of carriage mak- 
ing, to which he devoted his attention for a period of about nine years, 
after which he entered into partnership with H. C. Hovey and was there- 
after engaged in the grocery and meat business in this city for the mg 
period of twenty-seven years, retiring from the same in the year 1887. 
He thereafter was in other business here for a short time and later de- 
voted his attention to agricultural pursuits for a brief interval. 

Mr. Happersett has ever been a stanch and uncompromising advo- 
cate of the principles of the Republican party and has been an active and 
efficient worker in the cause. In September, 1898, he was elected to the 
office mI county commissioner and re-elected at the expiration of his term. 
His religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church, and he has 
been for many years a member of Grace church, in Urbana, of which Mrs. 
Happersett also is a member. Fraternally he is identified with the Inde- 
pendent Order of < >dd bellows. 

In the year 1855 Mr. Happersett was united in marriage to Miss 
Martha F. Sampson, daughter of William Sampson, one of the early 
residents of Urbana. 



ORA FAIRCHILD. 



\n ong the loyal sons - if ( Campaign county who went forth t< 1 battle 
for the Union in the war of the Rebellion was Ora Fairchild, 
throughout his life he has manifested in the discharge of his duti< - 01 
citizenship tin i zeal that he displayed when on southern battlefields 

he followed the stars and stripes to victory, lie well deserves mention 
in this volume am< >ng the representative men of this section, and it is with 
i ent his life record to our read. 

Mr. Fairchild was horn in Rush township. Champaign coi 



CE.X7EXXI.1L biographical history. -ii 

the 2d of fiily, r 834, and is a member of a prominent old "\ ermont family. 
His grandfather, Henry Fairchild, was horn in that commonwealth, but 
about 18 14. in company with two brothers, he came to Champaign 
►hi« >. where he was among the early pi. meers. He impr. wed a 
fam/,,, this county, and here resided for about forty years, after which 
he removed to Linn county, Iowa. Oris Fairchild. his son and the father 
ir object, was also a native of the Green Mountain state, but when 
only six years of age lie was brought by his parents to Ohio, the family 
locating in Rush township, and in its primitive log school house he 
receivc-i his early educati mal advantages. 1 te was here married to Sarah 
Fish, a native also of Vermont, and she was ah. ait fifteen years of age 
w hen 1 ompanied her parents on their removal to Champaign coun- 

ty. This w.-rthy couple became the parents of eight children, two sons 
and six daughters, of whom our subject is the eldest in order of birth 
his only brother, Simeon, died at sea, while returning from France, 
whither he had gone to purchase horses. The daughter- of the family 
were: Susan, the wife of C. L. VVinget; Percis, deceased; Laura, the 
widow of Lewis Funk: Elizabeth, the wife of S. Stickle; Cornelia, the 
wife of Dor Martin; and Fannie, who died at the age of sixteen years. 
The father of this family was called to the home beyond at the age of 
sixty-two years, but his wife survived until her eighty-second year. 

a Fairfield of this review spent the days of his boyhood and y uth 
youth in the place of his nativity, and he soon became familiar with all 
the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. At the age 
of nineteen years he began work in a mill owned by his father, where he 
continued to labor for the following seven years. His labors, however, 
were interrupted at the outbreak of the Civil war. when he uttered his 
service.- to his country. He became a member of Company 11. Sixty- 
sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in which he served from October, i86r, 
until July 19, 1865. when he received an honorable discharge, but he 1111- 



7i2 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

mediately re-enlisted in the same company and regiment and was pro- 
moted to the position of orderly sergeant. He was wounded in the hack 
by a piece of shell at the battle of Chancellorsville in 1863. During his 
army career he participated in a number of important engagements, in- 
cluding the hard-fought battles of Port Republic, Cedar Mountain, Chan- 
cellorsville, Dumfries, Antietam and Gettysburg. At the last named 
engagement he fought fur three days and nights, after which he was 
sent with his regiment to the defense of New York City, returning thence 
to Raccoon Ford and was next at Chattanooga. He was then sent with 
Sherman on his celebrated march to the sea, participating in the battle 
of Atlanta, and was at the grand review at Washington, at which time 
the starry banner floated over the capital of the southern confederacy 
and the preservation of the Union was an established fact. Throughout 
his entire service he was always found at his post of duty as a faithful 
defender of the Union cause. 

In 187(1 Mr. Fairchikl was united in marriage to Lazetta McDonald, 
a native of Rush township. Champaign count}-, and a daughter of John 
and Philomel (Miller) McDonald, prominent early settlers of this lo- 
cality. .Mr. and Mrs. Fairchild are now living in quiet retirement at their 
pleasant home in Woodstock, our subject having laid aside the active 
cares oi a business life and is now living in the enjoyment of the fruits 
of former toil, lie is an active member of Harry Davis Post, No. 612, 
G. A. 1\.. and in an earlier clay was a constant attendant at its reunions. 
In his political views he is a Republican, standing firmly on the platform 
oi his party, whose bannei he has loyally upheld since attaining his ma- 
jority. Ills first presidential \ 1 ite w as cast for Frem< >nt, and he has never 
since nussed an opportunity to support the principles of this grand old 
party. He well merits the friendship which is so freely accorded him, and 
his name is found on the roll of Champaign county's representative 
citizens. 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 71 3 

MARCUS H. CRANE. 

The stove foundry owned and operated by Morris & Crane has for 
years contributed to the industrial well being of Urbana, and is appre- 
ciated not only because of the excellence of its wares, but because oi its 
extensive opportunity as an employment resource. Marcus II. Crane. 
the partner longest identified with the concern, and one of the progressive 
men of the community, was horn in Caldwell. Xew Jersey. October 10, 
1842. The family of which, he is a member has long been associated with 
Xew Jersev, in which state the first representatives settled after emigrat- 
ing from England to America, and where the parents of Mr. Crane, 
Xenus and Mary | Harrison) Crane, were born, married, and where they 
spent their entire lives. 

As companions in his youth Mr. Crane had one brother and one 
sister, and the children were reared and educated in the public schools of 
I "aid well. During- the progress of the Civil war he left the familiar sur- 
rounding's of Xew Jersey and settled in Urbana, at the time being about 
twenty years of age. Of an ambitious and capable nature, he soon made 
his influence felt in business circles, and in time was enabled to purchase 
the stove foundry which has sir.ee been his absorbing care. For the 
first two years the enterprise was conducted under the firm name oi 
Moore & ( Iranc, but since then the success of the business has been right- 
full}" credited to M. H. Crane & Co.. the presenl proprietors. 

The marriage of Mr. Crane and Efne Muzzy occurred in [869, Mrs. 
Crane being a native of Springfield. Ohr 1. Of this unii m there have been 
born two children, Edgar M. and Frances, the former of whom is asso 
dated with his father in business, and is one of the promising young men 
of the town. Air. Crane is politically a Republican, and has for eighteen 
years promoted the most intelligent educational project-, a- a member of 
the school board. Fraternally he is associated with the Royal Arcanum, 
National Union, IndependenfOrder of Odd Fellows, and the Junior Order 



7 i4 CENTEX. VIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

Knights Templar. He is a member of the Presbyterian church. Mr. 
Crane enjoys to an exceptional degree the confidence and good-will of 
the community of which lie is a notable acquisition, and his success is re- 
garded as the natural result of well applied industry and fair dealing with 
the public. 



i I! MILES K. ORGAN. 
Champaign county has been signally favored in the class of men who 
have been enlisted in her service in official capacity, and the subjeel oi 
this sketch is one of the native sous of the county who is now incumbent 
of the position of clerk of the courts, in which he has handled the multi- 
farious duties devolving upon him with signal ability and discrimination. 
As a representative of two of the pioneer families of the county, as well 
as by reason of his own standing as one of its honored citizens and 
officials, it is signally consistent that he he accorded specific mention in a 
work of the province assigned to this publication. 

Charles F. Organ was horn on a farm in Wayne township, this 
county, on the uth of March. (851, being a son of Samuel and Elizabeth 
i Baldwin ) ( )rgan, the former of whom was born in Muskingum county, 
1 >hio, the son of William and Grace I McBride) Organ, who were pio- 
eei oi the st ite. Samuel * Irgan came to Champaign county in an early 
day, and here reclaimed a hue farm property in Wayne township, being, 
known as one of the sterling citizens of this section and commanding un- 
equivocal confidence and esteem in the community, lie died on the old 
homestead after having attained the venerable age of seventy-nine years. 
His \\ne was born in \ lrgima, whence her parents came to Champaign 
count} in an earl) day, and here she ended her days. Samuel and Eliza- 
beth 1 irgan became the parents of five children, our subject having been 
the youugesl in the family, lie was reared on the old homestead, and 
alter availing himself of such advanl ig ■- as were afforded in the public 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 7>5 

olshe became a student in the National Normal School, at Lebanon, 

Ohio, where he completed his scholastic discipline. 

ln the year t886 Mr. Organ was united in marriage to Miss Maine 
Weirman, who was born in this county, and he immediately afterward 
Icdona^inWayoetown^p.whe^hedevo^b-.ttent.onto 
! Idtural pmsuits ^d stock raisin, until x8 94 , .hen he was corn- 
Id to give up active labors in this line as the result ot= nfortunate 

ccident.Hewas thrown* ahorse and received injuries w, ^ neck- 
ed the amputation of his right leg. Lnx8 9 6, as the candidate of th 
publican party, of which he is a stanch supporter. Mr. Organ was 
elec ted to the office of clerk of courts for Champaign county, and was 
chosen as his own successor in this office in x8 99 , for a second term of 

threP vcars so that he is still m tenure of the office and is certain to so 
continue in case efficient and faithful service signify anything and he 
consents to appear as a candidate in the next election. 



JOHNW. HITT. 

The passing of many intervening years has not obliterated the im- 

i011 0{ worth and stability lent by the career of John * . Hut one 

of th. pioneers of Champaign county, and extensively identified with Us 

icultLira 1 an d miffing interests. Of southern ancestry, he was horn ,n 

Kentucky in 1801, and died in Urbana in 1877. His childh 1 was 

d in a home atmosphere calculated to develop the best traits of Ins 
character for industry and morality were among the watch- words oi the 
humble Kentucky fireside. 11. father. Rev. Samuel lint, was also a na- 
tive of the Bourbon state, and combined, during his active life. tanning 

and preaching. 

Mr. Hitt studied in the schools of Kentucky and after removing to 
the vicinity of Urbana acquired large landed possessions, at one tune 



-i6 CEXTEXXIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

owning a. thousand acres. About 1N57 he embarked upon a milling- busi- 
ness which proved a dire failure and swallowed up about all that he had 
in the world, after which he ran a mill at the water-works station for 
several years, with much more gratifying results. This mill was subse- 
quently traded for farm property near Washington, Indiana, and after 
a two years" residence thereon he located in Urbana, where the remainder 
of his life was spent in comparative retirement. He married Elizabeth 
(lark, a native of either Virginia or Maryland, and who bore him the 
following children: William. Anna. Elizabeth, John W'., Rebecca, Dan- 
iel, Thomas, and James B. Of these, William, Anna and John W\ are 
deceased. Mr. liitt was a Republican in political affiliations, and he was 
alwa\s interested in the spread of the teachings of the Methodist Epis- 
copal church. In tact his zeal in that direction constituted one of his 
chief interests during his lifetime, his eloquence as a local preacher being 
both convincing and logical, lie led a consistent life and one worth} of 
emulation from many standpoints. 

James B. Hitt t he youngest of the children of John \\ ., was born 
on the paternal farm, which is now in the city limits of Urbana, in 1S48. 
His vouch was uneventfully passed in performing his share of the home 
duties, and in attendance at the district schools. An opening into 
broader fields was presented during the presidential administration of 
Grant, at which time he acted as deputv postmaster, his brother. Daniel, 
having been appointed postmaster. For a time also be was employed as 
clerk I'd'- Hitt & Fuller, and in [879 was again associated with his brother 
Daniel, this time in the tobacco business. This arrangement was ami- 
cabl) continued for many years, and in 1886 the business was carried on 
under the name of the Indian Cigar Company, with a branch at Indi- 
anapolis, Indiana. A liberal patronage rewarded the untiring efforts of 
the brothers, and an increasing demand for their wares warranted con- 
tinual enlargements of their business. In K)oi Daniel Hitt removed per- 
manently to Indianapolis to assume charge of the plant at that end 'if 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 717 

the line, while James 1">. Eiitt took as his partner William 1-".. Kidder. The 
enterprise lias assumed most gratifying proportions, and the firm here do 
a large manufacturing business, and sell to jobbers, dealing extensively 
in leaf tobacco and first-class cigars. 

In 1886 Mr. Hitt married Elizabeth Valentine, daughter of Joseph 
T. Valentine, of Reading, Pennsylvania. Of this union there are two 
children. Morris and Elenore. Mr. Hitt is a stanch Republican, and has 
done his best to advance the most liberal ami praiseworthy tenets of his 
party. For two terms he served as city councilman, and has held other 
office^ of trust and responsibility. Fraternally he is a Knight Templar, 
and a charter member of Champaign Lodge Xo. 3. 



MAJOR GEORGE VY. HUPP. 

Of line Old Dominion ancestry. Major George VV. Hupp, whose 
rank was gained through connection with the ( )hio state militia, and who 
for rears has been one of the prime developers of Champaign county, 
was born near Newmarket, in the historic Shenandoah Valley, Virginia. 
February 22, 1833. When eighteen years of age. after the death of his 
father, he emigrated with his mother to Ohio and settled on Mad River 
in 1 hampaign count}', where the family engaged in farming for fifteen 
years. On the maternal side of the house a remarkable strain of longe- 
vity has been evinced, for the mother lived to be one hundred and five 
years old. and Mr. Hupp himself bids fair to retain his health and mental 
vigor far beyond the allotted or even expected time. 

Upon leaving the well developed farm on Mail River Mr. Hupp 
learned the cabinet-makers trade in Urbana, having completed which ne 
located in Mechanicsburg as a possibly more desirable field for the exer- 
cise oi hi- trade, and with the exception of a few years spent on his 
farm just west of the town, has made this his permanent abiding place. 
As a furniture manufacturer he worked up a large and remunerative 



718 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

trade, and the work in that line accomplished under his capable super- 
n gained a reputation for strength, durability and all-around utility. 
Several years ago he availed himself of a favorable opportunity to retire 
from active participation in business affairs, and at the time his son, 
' Itway C . succeeded to the management of the substantially erected 
enterprise. Three years ago the elder man withdrew entirely and left 
his son in absolute control of the cabinet interests. 

May 21, [835, Major Hupp married Margaret Millice, who died 
December 30. 1843. J u '. v r 5> l &44> ' ie married Mary J. Guthridge, who 
died January i_>, [889. Of the first marriage there were two children, 
George W. and Aimer C, and of the second marriage there were born 
five children. Llewellyn J., .Albert G.. Otwav C, Oscar B. and Xettie. 
Mr. Hupp is a Republican in national politics, and he has been con- 
nected with the Masonic fraternity for many years. He is a member 
nf the Methodist Episcopal church, and during his long life has sub- 
stantially contributed towards its charities and general support. Of un- 
swerving integrity and great good -ense. he has been an important factor 
in man_\- avenues of development, and the esteem created during the 
earlier part of his business career has increased in strength with the 
passing of years. 

Otwav G. Hupp, successor to bis father in the cabinet-making busi- 
ness, was born in Mechanicshurg, September 16. 185 1. and was edu- 
cated in the public schools, eventually graduating from the Marvsville 
high-school. His earlier life was spent amid the practical surroundings 
of the paternal farm, and in 188] be married Lulu, daughter of Ancel 
Rates, a native of Champaign county. Of this union there have been 
born two children, Walter F. and Dollie R. Mr. Hupp, like his fore- 
fathers, is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he 
is an official, and in the cause of which he is an earnest worker. Politi- 
cally be is a Republican, and is fraternally connected with the Knights 
1 Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 719 

ROBERT B. DIBBLE. 

One of the younger business men <>[ the city of North Lewisburg 
is Robert B. Dibble, whose energy, sagacity and industry enable him 
to fill a very important position, while his integrity of character com- 
mands the respect of all. As the mayor of the city he is also active 
in administering its affairs and is widely recognized as a Republican 
leader who ha- labored earnestl) for the success of the party. 

in the early settlement of this country, before the Revolution, 
England had made several grants O'f land to parties, one of which was 
to William Penn, as history gives it. and these were recognized by the 
government when peace was declared and have never been taxable. 
William Penn in turn gave a deed of sixty acres of land to one of our 
subject's ancestors, who was the father of three sons, one of whom 
died unmarried and one of the remaining became the great-great-grand- 
father of our subject and heir to one-half of the sixty acre tract. This 
now lies in the heart of the c it \ fi Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and 
during the grandfather's lifetime was valued at seventy million dollars. 
There has never been a legal deed of the property since the one issued 
by William Penn to the Richardson ancestors. The paternal great- 
great-grandfather of our subject was given the ancestral name of Levi, 
and he was killed in the state of Xew York. While assisting in the 
building of an abutment for a bridge across a gulley a stone became 
unmanageable and fell upon him, killing him instantly. His son and 
the grandfather of Robert B. also bore the name of Levi, and was born 
January 2, 1781, and his death occurred in November, 1855. By his 
first marriage lie became the father of the following children: Lyman, 
Luman. Levi, Calvin, Alsina and Melissa. Alsina died when young, 
and after the death of the mother of these children the father married 
Elizabeth Hammon, by whom he had four children, — Julia. Bela, Am- 

and Bosworth. 



720 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

Bi s worth Dibble, the father of our subject, was a native of Essex 
county, New York, born April 14, 1828, died June 22. iqoo. but when 
two years of age, in [830, was brought by his parents to Granville, 
Ohio. He married Vestalina Richardson, a sister of Dr. Richardson, 
of Summerville, Ohio. On the maternal side our subject traces his 
ancestry hack to three brothers who came from England to America on 
the Mayflower, one locating in Xew York, one in Virginia and one in 
Pennsylvania, and from the Pennsylvania branch he is descended. His 
great-grandfather Conent answered the general call for volunteers 
to defend the city of Buffalo against the English and Indians, who 
threatened its destruction. He was then an old. gray-haired man and 
with others of the same age they formed the company known as the 
"Silver Grays." The British and their allies, however, won the day, 
and Mr. Conent was taken as a prisoner into Canada, where he re- 
mained for three mouths, and during that time his family knew nol 
whether he was dead or alive. During an engagement a rifle ball struck 
him about the center of the forehead, and, glancing over, made a severe 
scalp wound which never afterward healed. Our subject's great-grand- 
father, James Richardson, married Margaret Bell. The grandfather, 
Richard S. Richardson, was horn on the nth of May, 1794, and his 
death occurred November -'4, [863. In 1815 he was united in marriage 
to Susan Conent. who was horn October 2, 1798, and died on the 12th 
of February, 1871. They became the parents of eleven children, nine 
oi whom grew to years of maturity, namely: Robert 1!., William, 
John. Jackson A., R. Lafe, Margaret, Liza, Louisa and Vestalina, the 
last named being the mother of our subject. Richard S. Richardson 
served as a lifer during the war of 1812. 

Robert I'.. Dibble, the immediate subject of this review, is the sixth 
m order oi birth of his parents' seven children and was horn where 
be is now located, in Ohio City, June 11. [869. His elementary edu- 
cation was received in the common schools of Van Wert county, and 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 721 

after completing his studies therein he was for a time engaged in the 
profession of teaching. Later he entered the Ohio Normal University, 
at Via. in which he was graduated in the pharmacy department on the 
3d of May, 1.892, and for two years thereafter was engaged in the drug 
business at Van Buren, Indiana, after which he returned to the Buckeye 
?-tate. Since 1898 he has been engaged in the drug business at North 
Lewisburs:, and in trade circles he is esteemed for his ability and genu- 
• lie worth. He was recently appointed mayor of North Lewisburg, to 
till a vacancy caused by the removal of Mayor Hawkins, and on the 
7th oi April. 1902. he was elected to that office. Every trust reposed 
in him. whether of a public or private nature, has been fully discharged 
ami he has proved himself in all the relations of life an earnest, honest, 
upright man and a citizen of whom any community might be justly 
pri aid. 

On the 1st of January, 1893, Mr. Dibble was united in marriage 
to Mattie Mapes, one of the six daughters of S. R. M'apes, who is now 
a resident of Ohio City, Ohio. Two sons have been born unto this 
union. — Gallard R. and Dewey M. In his political relation- Mr. Dibble 
is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and politically he is a stanch Re- 
publican, lie ha- served as a member of the school board, and is active 
in all works for the betterment of bis fellow men. 



GEORCiL W. POLAND. 

I reorge \\ . Poland has been a practitioner at the Champaign county 
bar since 1877, and makes his home in L T rbana. He was born in Shelby 
county. Ohio, in [852. His father. R. C. Poland, was a native of Vir- 
ginia and of English lineage, and died when our subject was twelve or 
fourteen year- • : age. B) profession be was an attorney and became 



722 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

very successful, having a large clientage. He was also prominent and 
active in public affairs ami was a member of the Ohio legislature in 1850 
and 1851. representing Shelby county. The mother of our subject was 
of Pennsylvania Dutch descent and bore the name of Eleanor McCon- 
nell. The subject of this review was reared in Greene county, Ohio, 
and pursued his elementary education in the public schools and later 
attended Xenia College. Hi's literary course having been completed, he 
then began preparation for the profession which he determined to make 
his life work, and matriculated in the law school of Ann Arbor Uni- . 
versity, in which he was graduated in the fall of 1876. The following 
year he was admitted to the Ohio bar and has since been engaged in 
general practice, opening an office in Urbana, where he has gradually 
advanced to a position prominent in the ranks of the legal fraternity. 
His mind is analytical and inductive, and in reasoning he is strong, in 
argument forceful and in the presentation of In i> cases shows a thorough 
mastery of the subject. Much important litigation has been entrusted 
to him and he has won a large majority of decisions favorable to his 
clients. Since 1S98 he has served as referee in bankruptcy for the 
district of Champaign count}-. Ohio. 

Mr. Poland was united in marriage to Aiiss Carrie Purtlebaugh, a 
daughter of W. A. Purtlebaugh. an attorney, and they have three chil- 
dren: Will, who i> a job printer; Sarah E., the wife of Howard If 
Donaldson, of Sherin, Pennsylvania; and Bessie M. Mr. Poland gives 
hi> political support to the Republican party, being a stanch advocate 
of its principle-. He. is also connected with the Knights of Pythias fra- 
ternity and for twenty year- has been master of exchequer. All of 
the offices of the lodge have been tilled by him and he has been a repre- 
entative to the grand lodge. He and his wife are 'members of the 
Presbyterian church., and the members of the family occupy an enviable 
position ' circles. 



CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 723 

JOSEPH OOULSON. 
[oseph Coulson was for mam years a distinguished and representa- 
tive citizen of I'rbana. He was born in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, Decern 
her -S. 1S17, and died in this city August 4, 1891. His parents were 
Patrick and Elizabeth (LeCompte) Coulson. The latter was of French 
descent, while the former was horn in Ireland and served as an officer 
in the British army before coming to America. About [822 .Mr. ami 
Mrs. Coulson removed to Ohio, settling in Greene county, and when 
their sou was thirteen years of age they went to Fairfield county. There 
Joseph Coulson in his boyhood days formed the acquaintance of a 
maiden who later was to become his wile. Her name was Maria Comp- 
ton and she was horn in Fairfield. May 25. 1818, her parents being 
Aaron and Sarah (Casad) Compton, of New Jersey. The wedding was 
celebrated March 1, 1814. and for five years after their marriage they 
resided in Fairfield, coming thence to Urbana. Here .Mr. Coulson en- 
gaged in carpentering for a short time, hut in [847 established a gro- 
cery store, which he conducted with signal success until 1S84. being 
one of the leading, honored and prosperous merchants of the city. In 
late years he was president of the Perpetual Savings and Building Asso- 
ciation. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Coulson were horn the following children: 
Sarah Elizabeth, the wife of Albert Slagel, of Springfield, Ohio: Laura 
J., the wife of James Cheetham, of Urbana: Amanda C. wbo married 
Colin McDonald, of Urbana; and Carrie, who died at the age of thirty- 
four years. In his political view's Mr. Couslon was first a Whig and 
on the dissolution of the party became a Republican. Eventually, how- 
ever, he severed his allegiance with that political organization and became 

a Prohibitii mist. He held membership in the Wesleyan Metln idist church, 
39 



724 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 

to which his wife also belongs. His life was busy, useful and honorable, 
and throughout his career he commanded the respect of his fellowmen by 
his firm allegiance to manly principles. 



